Argentine social movements invite Pope Francis to visit a 'popular neighborhood'

Argentine social movements are seeking to host Pope Francis in a "popular neighborhood" or a recycling center, aiming to showcase the realities of marginalized communities during his potential visit. The invitation was formally extended through a letter to Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at the Holy See.

The organizations, including the Union of Workers and Employees of the Popular Economy (UTEP) and the Argentine Federation of Cardboard, Cart, and Recyclers (FACCyR), expressed their desire to greet the pontiff and proposed a visit to a recycling center in Buenos Aires or a tour of a "popular neighborhood" in the metropolitan area. They emphasized that Pope Francis will have the "historic opportunity to meet those who daily represent the three Ts: Land, Shelter, and Work," core demands championed by the pontiff.

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the opportunity historic of meeting with those who represent daily the three T: Land, Shelter, and Work

The letter, sent on August 5th, also conveyed deep concern over the current socio-economic situation in Argentina and the region. The movements stated that "popular economy" initiatives, such as self-managed work, cooperatives, urban integration projects, community spaces, and mutual aid networks addressing hunger and exclusion, are being "weakened or dismantled." They expressed worry about the resurgence of values that prioritize money over people.

This initiative connects with Pope Francis's long-standing engagement with popular movements, dating back to his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He recognized the popular economy as a vital means for many to gain resources and livelihoods while awaiting formal employment. His continued support for these movements as pontiff also aimed to prevent them from falling into Marxism and to help contain potential social unrest.

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in Argentina and in a large part of our region, popular movements are being profoundly hit. The experiences of self-managed work, cooperatives, urban integration processes, community spaces, care networks and popular responses to hunger and exclusion are being weakened or dismantled.