Argentina Mourns Loss Of Papal Son

Catholic faithful pray at the Buenos Aires Cathedral following the death of Pope Francis, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 21, 2025. Pope Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion from Catholics but riled traditionalists, died on Monday, April 21, aged 88. (Credit: AFP)

Grief-stricken Argentines massed at Buenos Aires Cathedral early Monday to collectively mourn their late pontiff, compatriot and hero, Pope Francis.

Street sweeper Javier Languenari was shooing early autumn leaves from the front of the neo-classical building, where then-Jorge Bergoglio once served as archbishop, when news of the pope's death emerged.