The unforgettable meeting of communities with Pope Francis

Like many Argentines, I had the chance to be with Francisco before and after the start of his pontificate, which is now 10 years old.

Each occasion was driven by dialogues that fostered consensus for concrete actions that gave clear signals of the urgent need to work for the eradication of violence of all kinds among us, to draw inspiration from the greatness of the interreligious dialogue, journey together towards inclusion and bet irrevocably on the peace in the world.

Public life found us in unforgettable encounters in the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, the DAIA, the Vatican and Armenia, during their historical journeys.

Of all these unforgettable life experiences and infinite learnings, there is a milestone which, in which we participated, occupies a special place and whose memory illuminates the principles and values ​​of life that we defend and promote.

On March 20, 2019, a delegation of 40 community leaders we were received by him in the Paul VI auditorium.

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It was a trip whose sole mission was to show the world, and more particularly our society, the deep meaning that we give to coexistence, to meeting in difference, to the decision to shape and endure in the time. a veritable mosaic of identities where the whole shines with the brilliance of each part that integrates it. The document that was given to him, signed by all, therefore endorses it.

A project in line with our planned and respected objectives of cultural pluralism of the Human Rights Secretariat. These were the difficult days when the world agenda had the urgent need to absorb thousands of refugees, especially because of the war that was bleeding Syria. Let us also remember with pride that Argentina was one of the first governments in the world to adhere to the plan to welcome immigrants.

The news of the meeting went around the world. The communities themselves, with their extensive communication networks, made this possible.

The headline in the media was written by Francisco when, with absolute spontaneity and sincerity, on seeing us waiting there, he broke all protocol and expressed his pleasure in seeing us all together bringing this multicolored palette to life. “Claudio, you got them all together, a miracle” were his words.

It was an authentic embrace, a joyful celebration, of immense tenderness.

A hug that showed us that this was the way to go: that of meet people with people to think for the good, to do good, with no other speculation than the common good.

These lines must bring to the present a unique experience in the world, which has consolidated an idea and a way of thinking about the policy of human rights and cultural pluralism born in 2007 in our government administration of the city of Buenos Aires, later deepened in the Nation, in which the centrality is in the people, with their innate and inalienable desire to live in respect, with mutual recognition, in the creative and resolute coexistence that improves our quality of life every day.

The meeting with Francis reaffirmed our beliefs. This has made visible the daily task that we carry out and has greatly helped Argentina to see itself and show itself as an example in the world. Who wants to see, let’s see.

His embrace, his blessing and his words of that day continue to be felt very strongly in each of us who were there.

(The author is Honorary President of the Holocaust Museum and former Secretary for Human Rights and Cultural Pluralism of the Nation)

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