Luján's Basilica hosted a massive mass on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of Pope Francis's death, attended by government officials and opposition figures. Mendoza's Archbishop Marcelo Colombo led the ceremony before thousands of faithful. Vice President Victoria Villarruel was invited but did not attend.
Luján's Nuestra Señora Basilica filled with faithful and political representatives on April 21 to honor Jorge Bergoglio, one year after his death. The mass, starting after 5 p.m., was led by Archbishop Marcelo Colombo, president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference.
Government attendees included Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni, Interior Minister Diego Santilli, Chamber of Deputies President Martín Menem, Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzenegger, Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva, Senator Bartolomé Abdala, and Deputy Gabriel Bornoroni. From the opposition, Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof attended with Labor Minister Walter Correa, Culture Secretary Florencia Saintout, and Deputy Eduardo “Wado” de Pedro.
Villarruel's absence drew notice, as her participation was anticipated but she did not enter the basilica due to protocol issues, per close sources. The gathering highlighted Francis's ability to bridge opposing factions in Argentina.
The event underscored the legacy of the first Argentine Pope, who championed social inclusion and dialogue during his papacy from 2013 until his death.
