Buenos Aires: Pope Leo XIV has paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, during a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Buenos Aires, pausing in prayer before a memorial plaque commemorating Francis' years as Archbishop of the Argentine capital.
The moment took place at the end of Pope Leo's second day in Argentina, before he celebrated Vespers with the country's bishops and synodal teams. He spent several moments in silence before the marble plaque, which recalls Jorge Mario Bergoglio's service as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before his election as Pope Francis in 2013.
The memorial, located behind the cathedral's altar, also displays Pope Francis' coat of arms and his motto, "Miserando atque eligendo". The inscription records his time as archbishop from 1998 to 2013 and his pontificate from 2013 to 2025. It was updated following his death and restored ahead of Pope Leo's visit.
Standing behind the Pope were members of the Argentine Bishops' Conference, led by its president, Cardinal Marcelo Colombo. Six children representing parishes and associations across the archdiocese also joined the tribute, placing small bouquets of flowers beneath the plaque before observing a moment of silence.
Pope Leo greeted the children individually after a group photograph and briefly spoke with one of them, named Tomi, who told the Pope he was moved by the occasion.
The tribute also brought together members of the Bergoglio family. Pope Francis' eight nieces and nephews attended the celebration and presented Pope Leo with a white rose as a gesture of gratitude for welcoming them and visiting their country.
The flower carried particular significance for Pope Francis, who had a deep devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. He regarded white roses as a reminder of her spiritual presence and guidance in his life, particularly when making important decisions. He also regularly carried a small holy card bearing her image.
White roses were closely associated with important moments in Bergoglio's life, including his final stay at Gemelli Hospital. A white rose is also kept on his tomb at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
In a message accompanying their gift, his relatives described the flower as a symbol of love, faith and continuity. They expressed their hope that the tenderness, hope and mercy associated with Pope Francis would continue to inspire the Church under his successor.
Pope Leo has remembered Pope Francis repeatedly during his visit to Argentina, including in his public addresses and his homily at Vespers, where he also recalled the historic assembly at Aparecida.
The visit to the cathedral offered a personal moment of remembrance for Pope Francis in the church where he had served the people of Buenos Aires, celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and meeting the faithful during his years as their archbishop.