Former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, today Pope Francis, has been under historical investigation for years for his role in Argentina’s Dirty War. This dark decade, with state terrorism as the prevailing political logic, extended from 1976 to 1983. Allegations have emerged concerning his role and response to the atrocities committed during this dark chapter in the nation’s history. The Vatican has strongly denied these accusations. Doubts remain about Bergoglio’s links to prominent figures, like Esther Ballestrino de Careaga and the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
Esther Ballestrino de Careaga was another notable activist and one of the original founders of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. Her far-reaching work deeply shaped Jorge Bergoglio long before he became a priest, much less a pope. His friendship with her opened his eyes to the cultural and social injustices that many Argentinians experienced in the Dirty War. Archbishop Bergoglio, as Pope Francis is known before his election as pope, took a deeply compassionate step. He made it official by declaring April 30 the founding day of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
In his tenure as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio worked to honor the victims of the Dirty War. He always showed his profound dedication to their legacy. He testified in a 2010 trial concerning the events surrounding Esther, further solidifying his stance against the atrocities committed during that time. What was captivating was his testimony and a deep, personal connection to the situation. He came to understand Esther’s violent abduction and torture through the testimony of her daughter, Ana María Careaga.
The Vatican’s Response to Allegations
While there are many accusations against Jorge Bergoglio for his role in the Dirty War, the Vatican has strictly denied all of these charges. The church maintains that Bergoglio acted in accordance with his moral and ethical beliefs during a tumultuous period in Argentine history. The Vatican’s interpretation continues to stress that Bergoglio’s strength as a leader lay as a force for compassion and justice in an environment filled with violence.
Ana María Careaga, Esther’s daughter, has publicly expressed her views on what her mother’s relationship with Bergoglio involved. She recalls his steadfastness and commitment to justice, stating, “I have a very vivid memory of a very loving, hard-working, and committed person.” Her reflections are a testament to the deep values that Esther instilled in the lives of those around her — including Bergoglio.
Many of those living in Argentina still struggle with their memories of the Dirty War. Ana María expressed the importance of this collective memory: “We need to remember again.” The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo represent the radical idea of what it means to remember. They were a vital part in shaping Argentina’s post-dictatorship civil society, both during and after the dictatorship.
A Legacy Remembered
Jorge Bergoglio, S.J. To Esther Ballestrino de Careaga, with deep affection and gratitude. This recognition would honor her legacy of resilience and activism. As Pope Francis, he has emphasized the significance of the Mothers’ work in preserving memory and advocating for justice in Argentina. He stated during a message to Ana María in 2018, “I’m glad you follow these footsteps of your mother… May God bless you all.”
His story with Esther is just one example of BJ’s long-term dedication to people affected by violence from the state. It always gave me much pain (he said), when thinking of the circumstances that attended her being taken. He is committed to uplifting the voices of survivors and families impacted by these tragedies. This growing commitment and engagement is a critical component of his narrative as a religious leader and as a kind hearted, caring human being.
Bergoglio had an eye toward the larger memory wars on memory in Argentine society. He expressed that “everything that happened, the 30,000 disappeared,” must be remembered as part of a social contract that asserts “never again.” This commitment clearly strikes a chord with a host of human rights activists in Argentina.
The Role of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo
The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo remained powerful symbols of resistance. They resisted against the state terror repression of Argentina’s Dirty War. Third, they advocated relentlessly for justice for their missing children and pushed back against state narratives on disappearance and violence. Even so, Jorge Bergoglio’s acknowledgment of their role is key to understanding his view on justice and memory.
As Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio, he played a key leadership role within the church in support of their cause. He prayed for the mothers and acknowledged their pain, stating, “She worked hard, she was a fighter… together with her many women who fought for justice.” This affirmation reminds them that he is inextricably linked to their struggle and how dearly he values advocacy on their behalf for long overdue human rights.
Ana María Careaga has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for societal remembrance: “Everything that happened… is so important to preserve memory.” Her reflections highlight the ways that collective memory can create healing and justice in societies still dealing with the legacies of mass violence.
