Pope Francis recently designated Santiago del Estero as the primate seat of the Catholic Church in Argentina, a title that had been held by Buenos Aires for nearly 90 years. This decision was viewed as a historical correction in favor of the first diocese established during colonial times, but it also raised suspicions beyond the walls of faith.
The year 2024 will be memorable in Argentina’s ecclesiastical history, marking the canonization of Mama Antula, which brought together Pope Francis and President Javier Milei in February. It will also be remembered as the year when a long-standing debt from the Holy See to Argentina was settled with the designation of Santiago del Estero as the “primary seat.” This recognition honors the city where the first diocese was founded, paving the way for the spread of Catholicism even before the nation existed.
This ecclesiastical decision came after months of historical research and was communicated jointly by the archbishops of Buenos Aires, Jorge García Cuerva, and Santiago, Vicente Bokalic Iglic, receiving the Pope’s approval.
There are those who are unhappy about this change, particularly among authoritarian figures. The practice of professional and critical journalism is essential to democracy, making it a source of discomfort for those who regard themselves as the guardians of truth.
Pope Francis has defended the role of the state, stating that “the god of the market and the goddess of profit are false deities that lead us to dehumanization.” Various sources from within the Church suggest that this maneuver carries only symbolic implications, yet the announcement stirred considerable debate and raised questions regarding the intersection of Catholicism with Argentine politics—a path that became more pronounced since Jorge Bergoglio became Pope Francis.
Several questions arise: Why did the Vatican decide to move the primate seat from Buenos Aires, a historically significant city, to Santiago del Estero? Will this change impact religious practices? Could it have political implications, given the “federal” spirit highlighted at the end of the announcement? Moreover, what does this mean for the status of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires?
Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the two ecclesiastical jurisdictions and certain state entities to justify the change. “The Holy Father contacted me this afternoon and appreciated our joint statement in achieving this historical correction after many years,” he shared.
He emphasized that the Pope had been working for years on this matter “in the interest of historical truth,” referencing a similar change made in Bolivia, where the primate seat was shifted from La Paz to Sucre in 2021. To downplay the controversy surrounding centrality versus periphery, he noted that in Spain the primate seat is located in Toledo, not Madrid, and in France, it’s in Lyon, not Paris.
The decision reflects a need to “rethink” the title of the primate seat held by Buenos Aires, arguing that historically, the diocese of Santiago del Estero, established in 1620, predates it.
In 1907, the current Diocese of Santiago del Estero was created, having previously housed the original and first Episcopal Seat of Tucumán. García Cuerva explained that Buenos Aires held the honorary title since 1936 at the request of Archbishop Copello to the Pope. While Buenos Aires is the first archdiocese, it is not the first diocese—a situation that required adjustment.
With Francisco’s ordering of an investigation into papal bulls and documents dating back to the establishment of both dioceses, the process was complex due to the lack of clearly defined borders during the colonial era. “In terms of historical accuracy, it was due for a change. In February, I spoke with the Pope in Rome during Mama Antula’s canonization, which presented a perfect opportunity to resolve this issue,” the archbishop clarified.
Regarding the decision’s implications, García Cuerva stressed that it is simply an “honorary title” and that in practice, “nothing changes at all.” He insisted that while this means Santiago del Estero is now the first seat, it does not alter the national authorities’ seat, nor does it influence the Tedeum or any responsibilities. It remains purely an honorary distinction.
Consequently, the Metropolitan Cathedral, located in the heart of Buenos Aires, will continue to play a significant role, hosting Tedeum services every May 25. García Cuerva, who has been serving as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires for at least two decades, will still lead the traditional thanksgiving ceremony commemorating the first national government.
In conclusion, he stated that the Pope’s decision holds no political connotation, either within or outside the Church. “The only practical change for me will be updating my personal seal,” he concluded.
Source: https://www.perfil.com/noticias/actualidad/los-entretelones-de-la-historica-decision-del-papa-francisco-de-nombrar-a-santiago-del-estero-como-sede-primada-de-la-iglesia.phtml
