Many murals of Pope Francis can be found all over Argentina. A few murals were painted shortly after he became the first Latin American pontiff on 13 March 2013 . More artworks featuring the Pope have been painted after his death. Photos by Buenos Aires Street Art.
Pope-ular – Papa Francisco (photo © BA Street Art)
Jorge Bergoglio was born in the neighbourhood of Flores, Buenos Aires on 17 December 1936. This mural of the Pope in Palermo (above) near Aeroparque Airport was painted by an unknown artist. Millions of Argentines, not just Roman Catholics were proud and happy when Bergoglio became Pope.
Pope portrait (photo © BA Street Art)
Bergoglio is the son of Italian immigrants and is also a supporter of football club San Lorenzo del Almagro.
Papal wave (photo © BA Street Art)
We’ve seen several murals of Pope Francis in working class neighbourhoods around Buenos Aires Province where there are maybe more church-goers.
Mural by Ruido in Yerba Buena, Tucumán (photo © BA Street Art)
After the Pope’s death, this mural by artists Ruido (above) was painted in a public square in Yerba Buena, Tucumán as a homage to the late pontiff.
Pope waving (photo © BA Street Art)
Ruido have painted numerous murals around Tucumán to help improve the urban landscape. Check out an interview with Ruido that Buenos Aires Street Art did with the artists.
Mural of Pope Francis with Padre Mugica (photo © BA Street Art)
Pope Francis and Father Carlos Mugica were both committed to helping the poor in Buenos Aires. When Francis was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he presided over the transfer of Father Mugica’s remains to Villa 31 and drew attention to the priest’s legacy of fighting for justice and supporting vulnerable members of his community.
Mural at Villa 31 (photo © BA Street Art)
After the Pope’s death, this mural (above) of him with Padre Mugica was painted outside Villa 31 that has since had its named changed to Barrio Padre Carlos Mugica.
Mural of Pope in the Province of Buenos Aires (photo © BA Street Art)
Pope mural on the side of an apartment block near Ezeiza (photo © BA Street Art)
Murals similar to this one featuring the Pope waving located near Ezeiza can be found in several working class areas in the Province of Buenos Aires.
Pope mural by Muro Sur (photo © BA Street Art)
In March 2023, Muro Sur painted a new mural in Lanús, Buenos Aires to mark the 10th anniversary since Jorge Bergoglio became Pope.
Mural located in Lanús, Buenos Aires (photo © BA Street Art)
Pope with dove of peace (photo © BA Street Art)
Mural of Pope Francis with Conan O’Brien & Lionel Messi in Palermo (photo © BA Street Art)
In 2023, Argentine street artist Maxi Bagnasco painted a mural in Palermo, Buenos Aires for Conan O’Brien with the U.S. chat show host and comedian flanked by Pope Francis and Lionel Messi.
Stencil by Dioso featuring the Pope on a llama (photo © BA Street Art)
Stencils and smaller artworks featuring Pope Francis can also be found around the city of Buenos Aires. This stencil features the Pope on a llama.
Pope waving (photo © BA Street Art)
This aerosol artwork on the wall of a shop in Buenos Aires was painted in 2018 by Shogun and once again features the Pope waving.
All photos © Buenos Aires Street Art
