⛪ Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral

About This Sacred Site

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, facing the Plaza de Mayo, is the principal Catholic church of Argentina. The current neoclassical building, with its striking 12-column portico inspired by the Palais Bourbon in Paris, dates to the 18th and 19th centuries. The cathedral houses the mausoleum of national hero General José de San Martín and was the home church of Jorge Mario Bergoglio before he became Pope Francis in 2013. Its ornate interior features Venetian mosaic floors and Baroque altarpieces.

History & Origins

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, originally established in 1593, saw its current neoclassical façade completed in 1822 under architect Joseph Bianchi. It was constructed atop the ruins of earlier churches, with major renovations in the late 19th century adding Corinthian columns and triangular pediments. Pope Francis served as Archbishop here from 1998 to 2013, overseeing liturgical reforms and restoration projects. The cathedral houses the mausoleum of General José de San Martín, Argentina's liberator, entombed under the main altar since 1880. The building integrates Renaissance and Baroque elements, with a grand organ dating back to 1871 installed in the choir loft.

Spiritual Significance

As the primatial church of Argentina, the cathedral hosts key liturgical events, including the annual feast of St. Martin of Tours. Pilgrims attend Masses honoring General San Martín, whose tomb symbolizes national liberation and Christian virtues of sacrifice. Pope Francis celebrated his first Mass here as a bishop, and the cathedral continues to reflect his emphasis on social justice and mercy. The cathedral's liturgies incorporate traditional Latin chants and readings from the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing discipleship and service. Confessionals are frequently used by pilgrims, reflecting Catholic penitential practices central to spiritual renewal.

Key Facts

• •Pope Francis served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires in this cathedral from 1998 to 2013
• •Houses the mausoleum of General José de San Martín, Argentina's liberator
• •The neoclassical facade with 12 Corinthian columns was modeled on the Palais Bourbon in Paris
• •An eternal flame burns at San Martín's tomb, guarded by grenadiers 24 hours a day
• •The original church on this site dates to 1593, though the current structure is from the 18th–19th centuries

Location

Coordinates: -34.6083, -58.3732