Buenos Aires, Argentina – Under the soft glow of candlelight and torchlight, hundreds of Argentinians took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Friday night, March 7th, 2024, in a solemn procession to the city's iconic Metropolitan Cathedral. The gathering, imbued with the spirit of "amor con amor se paga" (love is repaid with love), was a heartfelt expression of solidarity and gratitude towards Pope Francis, the city's former archbishop, as he navigates ongoing health challenges.

The procession, stretching five city blocks, culminated in Plaza de Mayo, the historical heart of Buenos Aires, where the cathedral stands. Unlike the city's typically vibrant and boisterous demonstrations, this vigil was a quiet display of unity, with participants focused on prayer and reflection.

"Since (Jorge Mario) Bergoglio became pope, he has made the invisible visible, those poor, precarious, and waste-picking workers, not only in Argentina but in the world," said Laura Cibelli, 47, to AFP, encapsulating the sentiment of many attendees.

The march was largely composed of faithful members of social organizations and labor unions, many of whom feel a deep personal connection to the Pope. The phrase “Amor con amor se paga” was promoted by social leader Juan Grabois, whom has a personal link to the pope, and the Union of Workers of Popular Economy (UTEP).

The vigil reached its poignant conclusion as participants placed their candles in Plaza de Mayo, creating a sea of light before a banner bearing the event's central message.

The health of Pope Francis, who was hospitalized in Rome with respiratory problems, remains a concern. While the Vatican press office reported his condition as "stable" on Friday, they also acknowledged that his clinical picture remains "complex." The pontiff's recent health struggles, including a bout of bronchitis that led to bilateral pneumonia, have prompted an outpouring of support from around the world.

The Buenos Aires vigil concluded with a mass inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, a neoclassical structure that once served as the spiritual home for Cardinal Bergoglio. During the service, Father Alejandro Russo emphasized the importance of faith and prayer for the Pope's continued health. The mass ended with joyful chants of "Francisco, Francisco..." echoing through the cathedral, a testament to the deep affection and respect held for the first Argentine pope.

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