Pope Francis’s Tangled Relationship with Argentina

The Pope, despite his global popularity, faced declining approval ratings in countries like the United States and his native Argentina. In his homeland, where he once enjoyed overwhelming support, his favorability dropped significantly over the years. This shift was not surprising given the political polarization in Argentina. Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was viewed as a divisive figure due to his alignment with the Church’s conservative elite and his clashes with various administrations. Despite his efforts to address social issues and advocate for social justice, his political stance caused a rift with some leaders, including former President Mauricio Macri, who criticized his policies.

Throughout his career, Francis underwent a transformation from a stern figure to a gentle and inclusive leader. His shift towards advocating for social justice and retracting previous stances made him more widely popular globally. Despite facing criticism and opposition in Argentina, Francis maintained a cordial relationship with political figures, including Presidents Néstor and Cristina Kirchner. However, his political positions, particularly his leftward shift on certain issues, led to a decline in his favorability among some sectors of the Argentine population, as he was expected to remain neutral as Pope. The political landscape in Argentina continued to evolve, with new leaders like Alberto Fernández and Javier Milei emerging, each with their own views on social and economic issues. Despite these challenges, Francis remained committed to his message of social justice and inclusivity, even as he faced criticism from various political factions in his homeland.