In the impoverished Buenos Aires neighborhood of Villa 21-24, 68-year-old painter Heriberto Ayala reminisces about Pope Francis, then Jorge Mario Bergoglio, visiting regularly on the number 70 bus to share meals with locals. He recalls a moment when he offered the pope a beer instead of water, leading to a chuckle from both.
Locals have been celebrating Pope Francis amidst his recent health crisis, which has drawn attention to his frailty at 88 years old. Hector Novara expressed his relief during a church service, identifying with the pope as an Argentine and appreciating his contributions to the world.
The Argentine pontiff is known for his informal style, rejection of ostentation, and efforts to make the Roman Catholic Church more liberal and inclusive. Many attribute this approach to his experiences in poor neighborhoods, earning him the nickname "papa villero," or slum pope.
Residents and churchgoers describe the former archbishop as a humble man who arrived by bus with a briefcase and worn shoes, often walking the streets, listening to locals, and sharing meals. "He walked all over the neighborhood, sweating with us," said 78-year-old Antonia Pesoa, who appreciated his kindness in sharing mate, a local herbal tea. "He helped us; he loved the humble people very much."
In Villa 21-24, messy power lines crisscross the sky above colorful buildings and makeshift homes. The pope's illness has prompted many prayers and support in this community. Lorenzo "Toto" de Vedia, a priest from the Virgen de los Milagros de Caacupé parish, noted that residents feel deeply troubled by his health issues, despite the years since he last served as archbishop. "We always feel him very close."
As the first Latin American pope, Francis has focused on modernizing the Church and addressing issues like the treatment of immigrants and global conflicts, sometimes clashing with conservatives. He has avoided the lavish lifestyle of his predecessors, opting to drive a Ford Focus around Rome rather than move into the palatial apartments.
Rita Fernández, 70, described Francis as "very down-to-earth," recalling times over 20 years ago when he visited her neighborhood. They would gather around the table to eat together, and he would express that he felt more at home there than in the cathedral. When he was elected pope, she was overwhelmed with emotion, sharing tears with the priest.
Elba Castro, 83, also remembers Bergoglio visiting Villa 21 as archbishop and lamented his absence since becoming pope, a choice some attribute to avoiding Argentina's polarized political climate. "It gives me a kind of pain," she said. "He was from here."