Argentina is to mourn the death of Pope Francis for seven days, the government said in a post on X on Easter Monday, hours after the passing of the pontiff, who was born in Buenos Aires.
“Argentina, a country with a long Catholic tradition and the homeland of Pope Francis, deeply regrets the death of His Holiness and condoles the Bergoglio family,” the statement said.
Government spokesman Manuel Adorni announced a national mourning period of seven days.
“It is with deep sadness that I learned this morning that Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and is now resting in peace,” Argentinian President Javier Milei said in a post on X.
“Despite the differences that seem minor today, it was a great honour for me to know him in his goodness and wisdom.”
Ultra-liberal Milei long had a strained relationship with the pope. Before he took office, Milei had called Francis a “fool” and a “son of a bitch” and claimed he was promoting communism.
Pope Francis received Milei at the Vatican in February last year and after their meeting, reference was made to “cordial talks.”
Milei also invited the pope to visit Argentina but Francis, formerly archbishop of Buenos Aires, did not return to Argentina after becoming pontiff.
People pray during a service for Pope Francis in Buenos Aires Cathedral following the death of the head of the Catholic Church. The Argentine pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, dies on Monday, leaving a profound impact on millions around the world. Cristina Sille/dpa
The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Garcia Cuerva (C), holds a service for Pope Francis in the cathedral of Buenos Aires following the death of the head of the Catholic Church. The Argentine pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, dies on Monday, leaving a profound impact on millions around the world. Cristina Sille/dpa