Pope Francis has ruled out a visit to his native Argentina any time this year or next.In a video message to the people of his homeland, the Pope said that his schedule for 2017 already includes trips to Africa and Asia. He said that it would not be feasible to plan another overseas trip.
(The Pope's message appears to contradict a claim by Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos, who has announced that the Pontiff will visit early next year.
Pope Francis assured the people of Argentina that he remains one of them and "still travels with an Argentine passport."
He said that he wished he could be present for important events in the life of the Church in that country, including the beatification of Mama Antula in August and the canonization of Cura Brochero, the "gaucho priest," which is scheduled in October.