ARGENTINA
Truth Out
Thursday, 06 June 2013
By Ricardo Guerra, Truthout | News Analysis
The election of the Argentine Jesuit cardinal Jorge Bergoglio – now mostly referred to as Pope Francis – as the new pontiff came as a big surprise to the whole world. Pope Francis is considered a modest man who, as an archbishop in his own country, declined the luxurious perks of the position; he is also an avid fan of football, tango and Italian literature. He is mostly known to be a theological conservative with a strong social conscience. As a Jesuit had never before been chosen for the illustrious role, and as he was the first from Latin America to be chosen for the position, his election was undoubtedly a watershed moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.
But not everyone has given the new pontiff a hearty welcome. In Argentina, many consider Bergoglio to be a divisive figure, not simply because of his conservative stance on social issues (e.g., abortion, marriage equality, the definition of family, etc.), but also, more pointedly, due to persisting speculation about his role during the violent military dictatorship that ruled the country from 1976 to 1983.
Argentina was not unique in Latin America for coming under military rule during the 1970s. Leftist movements were gaining significant ground in several different countries in the region, and many within ruling elite circles saw their development as a challenge to their interests. At the same time, in most of those countries, the military structures and forces were ready and prepared to combat “subversive” elements.
However, the role of the Catholic Church within this historical current varied greatly, depending on the country in question. In Argentina, for example – and distinct from other countries – the role played by certain elements within the Catholic Church has baffled and troubled many.
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