Argentinians gather in Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires while watching live broadcast of installation of Pope Francis
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Pope from Latin America in March 2013, there was jubilation in the streets of Argentina.
Some international media said the celebrations resembled those after a win in a football match, with people waving the Argentine flag and shouting “Francisco!”, the name the newly elected pope had chosen for himself.
The manner of the celebrations was fitting for a man who was himself an avid football fan and who remained loyal to San Lorenzo - the Argentine club he supports - throughout his papacy.
Many in Latin America say they saw him as one of their own, not just because he hailed from the region but also because of his humble background and his warm, approachable nature.
However, while the Catholic Church was at first invigorated by his election, it was not able to escape the trend in recent years which has seen some faithful in Latin America either turn away completely from religion or join evangelical Protestant churches instead.