Overview

• A bill to establish April 21 as a national holiday commemorating the death of Pope Francis has been introduced in Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies by Unión por la Patria legislators with cross-party support.
• The proposal emphasizes Pope Francis’s global impact as the first Argentine and Latin American pope, as well as his advocacy for peace, social justice, and care for the marginalized.
• The initiative suggests the Executive Branch organize nationwide activities each year on April 21 to honor his legacy.
• While some Argentines support the tribute, others question the need for an additional holiday, citing the country’s already packed calendar of 19 national holidays in 2025.
• The bill awaits debate in Congress and an official response from President Javier Milei, who has not yet commented on the proposal.