- 10 November, 2026
Buenos Aires, 10 November 2026: Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Buenos Aires, pausing for a moment of silence and prayer before a memorial plaque commemorating the late Pope’s years as Archbishop of the Argentine capital.
The tribute took place towards the end of the Pope’s second day in Argentina, during his Apostolic Journey to the country. The plaque, located behind the cathedral’s altar, recalls Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s service as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013, before his election as Pope Francis. It bears his name, episcopal tenure, papal years, coat of arms and motto, Miserando atque eligendo. The memorial was updated following his death and restored for Pope Leo XIV’s visit.
Standing before the plaque, Pope Leo spent a few moments in silent prayer, honouring the pastor who had celebrated Masses, heard confessions and accompanied the faithful of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires before being elected to lead the universal Church.
The Argentine bishops stood behind the Pope during the tribute, alongside Cardinal Marcelo Colombo, President of the Argentine Bishops’ Conference, and six children representing parishes and associations of the Archdiocese. The children carried small bouquets, which they placed beneath the memorial plaque while joining the Pope in a moment of silence.
After the prayer, Pope Leo greeted the children individually and briefly spoke with one of them, Tomi. When the Pope asked how he was feeling, the child replied, “I’m moved.”
The tribute also included a personal gesture from Pope Francis’ family. His eight nieces and nephews, who had been invited by Pope Leo, presented him with a white rose as a token of gratitude for welcoming them and visiting their country.
The white rose held particular significance for Pope Francis and was also regularly placed on his tomb at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. He regarded the flower as a sign of the spiritual presence and guidance of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, to whom he had a deep devotion. He carried a small holy card bearing her image and wished to have a white rose with him, including during his final stay at Gemelli Hospital.
In a dedication accompanying the gift, Pope Francis’ relatives addressed Pope Leo XIV, writing: “Holy Father Leo XIV,” they wrote, “this white rose, so meaningful to our dear uncle Francis, comes into your hands today as a small sign of love, faith, and continuity.”
They further explained: “St. Thérèse made roses a sign of God’s graces and love. For our uncle, this flower had a very special meaning.”
Presenting the rose as a gesture of their shared spiritual heritage, the family added: “Today, as a family, we wish to give it to you,” his nieces and nephews explained, “to share a little of that spiritual legacy that binds us so closely to him.”
They also expressed the hope that “this rose may also be a sign of our closeness, our affection, and our desire that the tenderness, hope, and mercy Francis sowed continue to bloom in the Church.”
Pope Leo had recalled his predecessor on several occasions during his visit to Argentina, including in his addresses and during the celebration of Vespers with the Argentine bishops and synodal teams at the cathedral.
The tribute brought together the public remembrance of Pope Francis’ pastoral ministry in Buenos Aires and the personal affection of his family, as Pope Leo continued his Apostolic Journey to the country that gave the Church its first Latin American Pope.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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