Popes in Argentina: Journeys Before the Papacy, Including an Andean Crossing and a Mass Gathering

Before Pope Francis became the first pontiff from Argentina, several other popes visited the South American nation prior to their papal elections. These historical visits, though less publicized than those of John Paul II or Francis, offer a unique glimpse into the Church's past engagement with the region.

One notable figure was Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti, who would later become Pope Pius IX. In 1823, as part of a delegation to Chile, Ferretti traversed the Andes mountains on horseback. This arduous journey, documented in a travelogue translated by Sarmiento, was undertaken to re-establish ties with newly independent republics. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, the delegation was met with a mix of public warmth and governmental coolness, with Ferretti noting in his letters the efforts by figures like Rivadavia to hinder their reception.

While Pope John Paul II made two significant visits to Argentina – a brief, almost impromptu trip in 1982 during the Falklands War and a more extended visit in 1987 – the earlier papal journeys highlight a different era of Church-state relations. The article also points out the poignant fact that Pope Francis, the only Argentine pope, has never returned to his homeland after his election, a stark contrast to the pre-papal visits of his predecessors.