Pope Francis’s long-awaited visit to Argentina, his homeland, appears increasingly unlikely as he battles double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old Pope’s ongoing stay in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, his longest as pontiff at over two weeks, has sparked concerns about his overall health and ability to travel in future.
Since assuming his position in 2013, Francis has embarked on over 45 international trips, including historic first visits to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Bahrain, and Mongolia.
However, the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires has never returned to Argentina – despite anticipation of a visit early in his papacy and again in 2024.
Jimmy Burns, author of Francis, Pope of Good Promise, noted the unique absence of a homecoming in Francis’s papacy, unlike his predecessors.
Mr Burns said that Francis may be avoiding being seen as taking sides in Argentina’s politically polarised environment.
“Any visit would try and be exploited by one side or the other, and he would unwittingly fuel those divisions.”
Guillermo Marco, former spokesperson for the pope when he was Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, told Reuters it had been a “wasted opportunity” for Argentina. Francis, he said, had a “tango soul” – a reference to the music and dance that has its origins in the back streets of Buenos Aires.
“He would have liked to (come) if he could have made a simple trip, let’s say, where he came to visit the people he loves and, I don’t know, celebrate a mass for the people,” said Mr Marco, who retains a close relationship with Francis.
“But he is fully aware there is a whole network of supporters and detractors who are fighting over him.”
In September, the pope told journalists he had wanted to go to Argentina, saying “they are my people”, but that various matters had to be resolved first”.
Maximo Jurcinovic, a spokesperson for the Argentine bishops’ conference, said the Church was focused on praying for the pope’s health and would not comment on other matters.
Mr Marco said Francis had sounded tired when he spoke to him in late January.
“He is 88 years old and then you add to those 88 years the worries and pace of life that he tries to lead,” he said.
