MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – From diners at a Little Buenos Aires café to visitors fresh from Argentina, South Florida’s Argentine community is mourning the death of Pope Francis — the first Latin American pope and a native son of Buenos Aires — with sadness, pride, and stories of personal connection.
“It is a great legacy, we are so proud of our papa,” said Argentinian Liliana Campos.
At Manolo Restaurant in Miami Beach, often considered the heart of the city’s Argentine enclave, patrons shared emotional memories.
“When he won the election as pope I was in Buenos Aires. I was working in the office very near the cathedral and I went there, to the cathedral, to celebrate with colleagues after work,” said Leonardo Aguilar, visiting from Argentina. “We gave a prayer to him. It was very emotional, very significant for Argentina.”
Albert Morjaim, another diner, said his godson from Mexico married an Argentine woman years ago, and Francis — then still a priest — officiated the wedding.
“Today, as I called him, he couldn’t even speak because the man that married him passed away,” Morjaim said. “He couldn’t even speak.”
The shock of the pope’s passing was deeply felt by many.
“It surprised me a bit, it was shocking actually,” Aguilar said.
“A surprise because he was fine yesterday,” added Vanessa, a local resident. “Health complications.”
Still, his chronic health issues were well known.
Yet hope had been renewed for many after Pope Francis made a public appearance on Easter Sunday.
“I thought he would make it,” Aguilar said.
Despite differing views on his progressive positions and reform efforts within the church, many praised his humility and vision.
“I think he tried to renew the church, but by himself very difficult,” Aguilar said. “That is very radical, I think. It is not something one person can do. But I would say I would really like our church to be more open. Let’s see what happens.”
“Very proud about it,” added Susana Rodriguez, who is also from Argentina. “A great sadness for all Argentinians.”
Even those who didn’t agree with all of his policies found reason to respect him.
“I didn’t ideologically agree with him,” one diner said. But admiration remained for his leadership and compassion toward the poor.
Aguilar said he hopes the recent visit by U.S. Senator JD Vance to the Vatican brought meaning in the pope’s final days.
“I am happy that JD Vance was able to visit him. I hope it was a positive reunion,” he said. “I hope they prayed for both countries, Argentina and the United States, and I really hope for peace. I hope that JD Vance and him were able to have a meaningful and deep conversation … Ukraine, the Middle East, everything. I know it is difficult, but every step counts.”