Argentina's Catholic Church will hold a mass at Luján Basilica on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025. Bishops from across the country, Governor Axel Kicillof, and national representatives including Vice President Victoria Villarruel will attend. Buenos Aires will feature tributes at San José de Flores Basilica and projections on the Obelisk.
Argentina's Episcopal Conference arranged a mass at Our Lady of Luján Sanctuary at 5 p.m., presided over by Bishop Marcelo Colombo, the entity's president, and concelebrated by Cardinal Ángel Rossi, Bishop César Fernández, and Bishop Raúl Pizarro. The entire local episcopate will enter in procession to honor Jorge Bergoglio. "A un año de su Pascua, la Iglesia en la Argentina se reúne para hacer memoria agradecida del Papa Francisco y renovar el compromiso misionero que marcó su pontificado", the Conference stated in a release.
Attendees will include Vice President Victoria Villarruel and Worship Secretary Agustín Caulo, as President Javier Milei and Chancellor Pablo Quirno are traveling to Israel. Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof will also attend after a Supreme Court hearing.
In Buenos Aires, the city will host events from 8 p.m. at San José de Flores Basilica, with a mass led by Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva. The Obelisk will display the phrase “Nadie se salva solo”. "Francisco will remain among us as the man he was in life: a good porteño", said City Chief Jorge Macri. Other events include a mural at San José de Flores station and planting an olive tree in Flores Plaza.
The previous Saturday, Portuguese priest-DJ Guilherme Peixoto drew about 100,000 people to Plaza de Mayo with an electronic show blending Pope Francis's messages with music.
