Pope Francis recently made a significant announcement that reshapes the Catholic Church’s hierarchy in Argentina. He has reinstated Santiago del Estero as the primate see of the country, which effectively moves Buenos Aires from this esteemed position. This unexpected decision reflects both ecclesiastical significance and undeniable public and political implications.
The elevation of Archbishop Vicente Bokalic Iglic from Santiago del Estero to primate raises several questions. Does this shift represent a setback for Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva of Buenos Aires? Is it a reprimand aimed at the Buenos Aires leadership that Pope Francis himself held for 15 years? Furthermore, what message is being sent to the provinces of Argentina? The impact of this change on the succession of Oscar Ojea in the Argentine Episcopal Conference is also under scrutiny.
Máximo Jurcinovic, director of Media and Communications for the Episcopal Conference of Argentina, confirmed a brief communication between the Pope and Archbishop García Cuerva. The Pope expressed his appreciation to García Cuerva for signing the release announcing the change. Although Jurcinovic refrained from disclosing the message’s details, he noted that the designation of Santiago del Estero as the primate see had been under discussion within the Church for some time.
Those consulted on this announcement emphasized that the decision is fundamentally ecclesiastical and serves as a historic acknowledgment of Santiago del Estero’s significance. Historically, this location held the primate status for centuries, dating back to 1570 when it was part of the Diocese of Tucumán.
This recognition is not uncommon in Church history. For example, in Spain, Madrid serves as the metropolitan archbishopric, while Toledo is regarded as the primate see because of its historical precedence. Sources within the Curia highlighted the honorific and ecclesiastical nature of such decisions, underscoring that Santiago del Estero’s recognition fits within this framework.
Earlier in the year, Pope Francis demonstrated his regard for Santiago del Estero by canonizing María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, popularly known as Mama Antula. This historic event saw President Javier Milei and the Pope meet for the first time, signaling a notable connection between the Church and the Argentine executive branch.
Alejandro Russo, rector of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, addressed the recently announced primate status of Santiago del Estero, deeming it a “historical rectification.” He explained that the Church often recognizes primary sees that later become national territories, much like Lyon in France and Toledo in Spain.
In Argentina, the first episcopal see, established well before it became a nation, was located in what is now Santiago del Estero. This place is recognized as the birthplace of Catholicism on Argentine soil, making it deserving of the primate title.
While Buenos Aires previously held this title, it was designated so due to its unique circumstance as the sole archdiocese until 1935. Pope Pius XI had declared Buenos Aires the primate see despite the Church’s tradition that typically honors the oldest diocese.
Archbishop Vicente Bokalic Iglic, who will assume this new role, was born in Buenos Aires and has a long history within the Church, including his ordination through the Vincentian congregation. Since being appointed as the bishop of Santiago del Estero in 2014 by Pope Francis, he has played a commendable role within the Catholic hierarchy.
Future services, such as Tedeum, will still occur at the Metropolitan Cathedral, ensuring the continuity of traditions at this significant location. Sources within the Church emphasized that García Cuerva’s long-standing tenure and potential elevation to cardinal were not affected by this new decision; rather, it serves as a recognition of Santiago del Estero’s historical importance.
The disconnection of this change from contemporary political matters is noteworthy. Santiago del Estero is currently governed by Gerardo Zamora, a strong opposition figure, yet he previously collaborated with Pope Francis on significant initiatives. Church sources clarified that this change is not politically motivated; it rectifies a historical oversight recognized by all historians.
In summary, this new designation for Santiago del Estero marks a pivotal moment for the Church in Argentina, reflecting historical acknowledgment and reinforcing the ecclesiastical hierarchy without any current entanglement in political dynamics.
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