Argentina Begins Seven-Day Mourning for Pope Francis

Argentina is mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away in Rome at age 88, with the government declaring seven days of national mourning in honor of the pontiff, a Buenos Aires native. The loss has deeply affected the country's poorest communities, where Francis was beloved for his advocacy and frequent visits, earning him the reputation as the 'Pope of the Poor.' Tributes have poured in from public figures and former colleagues, with many highlighting his solidarity with the marginalized and his influence on the nation's charitable networks. The Argentine football community, reflecting Francis’s passion for the sport, has postponed all matches and will observe moments of silence, while international football leaders like FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Conmebol President Alejandro Dominguez praised his humility, calls for peace, and enduring legacy. President Javier Milei, despite a historically strained relationship with the Pope, expressed his condolences and acknowledged Francis’s wisdom and importance to Argentina. The pontiff's legacy is remembered for bridging divides, supporting the vulnerable, and inspiring unity both within Argentina and globally.