Leo XIV in Buenos Aires Cathedral: tribute to Francis, the plaque and a white rose

Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis on the evening of 9 November in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Buenos Aires, before celebrating Vespers with the Argentine episcopate and the synodal teams.

According to the Holy See Press Office bulletin, the Pope arrived by car at approximately 18.45 local time (22.45 in Rome). He was welcomed at the entrance by the President of the Episcopal Conference, Bishop Marcelo Daniel Colombo, Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva of Buenos Aires, and the Rector, Father Alejandro Russo. After a moment of quiet reflection in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Leo XIV went to the back of the presbytery to pay tribute to the memory of Pope Francis and, together with some children, lay flowers at the commemorative plaque.

The plaque, behind the altar beside the coat of arms Miserando atque eligendo, commemorates Jorge Mario Bergoglio S.J., 11th Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013) and later Pope Francis (2013-2025), with the inscription “Siempre en Cristo vivas Santo Padre” — “May you always live in Christ, Holy Father.” Vatican News reports that the plaque was already in place, was updated after Francis’s death and restored for Leo XIV’s visit. The same account says six children chosen from parishes and associations of the Archdiocese were with the Pope; after the flowers were laid, all remained for a few moments in silence.

The white rose of the nieces and nephews. At the end of the celebration, Vatican News also reports, eight nieces and nephews of Francis — invited by Leo XIV — presented him with a white rose, like the one placed on the tomb at St Mary Major, a sign of their “uncle’s” devotion to St Thérèse of Lisieux. In the dedication: “Holy Father Leo XIV … this white rose, so meaningful to our dear uncle Francis, comes into your hands today as a small sign of love, faith, and continuity.” And the hope that “the tenderness, hope and mercy Francis sowed continue to bloom in the Church.”

Vespers and the homily. During Vespers, on the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Pope delivered his homily (original in Spanish; official English text of the Holy See). He said that the bond with the See of Peter “becomes especially close as we celebrate it in this Cathedral, whose see was occupied by our beloved Pope Francis before he was called to shepherd the universal Church.” To the bishops: “Rejoice in whatever promotes the life of your people: honest work, care for those most in need, and institutions that responsibly serve the common good.” He also encouraged them to continue working on the basis of the teachings of the Aparecida Document. During the celebration he led the Our Father in Latin.

Afterwards, at approximately 19.45 local time, Leo XIV walked to the Archbishop’s House for a private dinner with the episcopate. Later, outside the Apostolic Nunciature, he greeted the faithful: “May the Lord’s blessing reach the hearts of each of you and all your loved ones, and may we always live with the joy of knowing that Christ calls us” (Vatican News).

Follow the live coverage of the journey: [Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Latin America](/articolo/live-updates-pope-leo-xiv-apostolic-journey-latin-america-c2a5?lang=en).

Sources: Press Office bulletin; Vespers homily (official text); Vatican News.