The bishops of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, gathered at the 123rd Plenary Assembly, sent a letter to Pope Francis this Tuesday, expressing their longing for his visit to the country.

Monsignor Oscar Vicente Ojea, President of the Episcopal Conference, signed the letter on behalf of the bishops. In it, the prelates articulate their eagerness for the Pope to soon visit his homeland. The bishops convey their sentiment of unity with the Argentine people, who eagerly anticipate an encounter with their Shepherd. They affirm that Pope Francis's presence and blessings would be profoundly beneficial during these challenging times.

The letter concludes with a note of trust in the Pope's consideration of their request, entrusting his decision to Our Lady of Luján, the patroness of Argentina.

Pope Francis, in interviews conducted in April and May of this year, revealed his intentions: "I want to visit the country next year." He reiterated his longstanding wish to return to Argentina in a statement to La Nación.

Further reaffirming his plans, Pope Francis, during a gathering with the youths of Scholas Occurrentes on the organization's tenth anniversary, responded to inquiries about visiting Argentina with, "The idea is to go next year."

In recent weeks, the Familia Grande Hogar de Cristo, an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of addictions, initiated a campaign encouraging the Pope to visit. Their message is clear and simple: "Come, Francis, your people await you."

This article was originally published on ACI Prensa.