Argentinian President Javier Milei has declared seven days of national mourning in honor of Pope Francis and announced plans to travel to Rome for the pontiff’s funeral.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Bergoglio family,” the statement from Milei read. “The President stands with all those who follow the Catholic faith and regard the Supreme Pontiff as a spiritual leader during this sorrowful time.”
Milei shared his sentiments on his personal X account as well: “With great sorrow, I learned this morning of Pope Francis’ passing. Despite our differences, which now seem trivial, it was an honor to know him and experience his kindness and wisdom. As President, as an Argentine, and most of all, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father.”
Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Garcia Cuerva also paid tribute, describing Pope Francis as “the pope of the poor and the marginalized.”
Pope Francis’ beloved football club, San Lorenzo, also honored him with a video showcasing the pontiff at the stadium. San Lorenzo’s stadium is in the Flores neighborhood, where Francis was born.
“He wasn’t just any fan. He was always one of us. A crow since his childhood, as a man, as a priest, as a cardinal, and as the Pope,” the club posted on X.
Argentinian football star Lionel Messi also paid his respects to the Pope on Instagram, sharing a photo with the pontiff. “RIP Pope Francis. Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you,” Messi wrote, calling him “a different kind of Pope, one that felt closer to us, an Argentine one.”
In addition, the Argentine Football Association canceled all matches on Monday to mourn the loss of Pope Francis.
