In Strangers' Arms

Friends from the states imagine an euphoric celebration in Buenos Aires. These are two emails I received:
From Susan: “Looks like BA won’t be sleeping tonite! Party in the streets whether you’re a believer or not?”
From Mary: “So what was the street scene like in Buenos Aires after the announcement of the new pope?”

I have not seen any celebrations yesterday or today even though I took a 30 minutes taxi ride back and forth across the city. I have only seen the yellow/white Vatican flag next to Argentine flags in few balconies.

Today’s newspapers do report celebrations around and inside the Cathedral, a symphony of horns folowed the release of the news.

The lack of enthusiasm seems related to the fact that people are divided into supporters and opposition of Presidenta Cristina. No enthusiasm in the government is sensed by the people. Silence instead, during the initial hours after the announcement.

Keep in mind that Cristina maintained a cold war with the newly elected pope when he was archbishop  at home in Buenos Aires.  She stopped attending his annual Te Deum.  Reasons?  In his 2012 address Bergoglio denounced her demagoguery, totalitarianism, corruption and unlimited ambitions of power.

After the first day I hear and read harsh criticisms and name calling directed to the pope from government officials and friends.

For the current government Bergoglio is “opposition.” Cristina’s supporters call the pope “fascist” (Today’s newspaper La Nación).

For Spanish readers:
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1562777-bergoglio-y-los-kirchner-muchos-anos-de-una-relacion-gelida
Argentines do like it that the Pope has been a member of football club San Lorenzo.