Bishop Paul Mason of the UK Forces returned the statue Oct. 30 to Bishop Santiago Olivera of the Argentine Forces in St. Peter's Square after the pope's General Audience. In return, Bishop Olivera offered a replica statue to serve as its replacement in the Aldershot cathedral.
Pope Francis blessed both of the statues, and was visibly moved by a plaque honoring the war dead in Argentina presented at the audience. A total of 907 people died in the Falklands War on both sides.
"It was an intriguing story that met me when first installed as Bishop of the Forces and I immediately realised what a good opportunity it was, not only to return the statue, but also to demonstrate a united faith across two countries that have experienced political division," Bishop Mason said in a statement announcing the statue exchange.
The sovereignty dispute between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands, a South Atlantic archipelago located 300 miles off the coast of Argentina, dates to the 19th century. Great Britain has had control of the islands since 1833, and rejects Argentina's claims of sovereignty over the territory.
Amid negotiations over the territory, an Argentine military junta led by General Leopoldo Galtieri invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered a task force from the Royal Navy to retake the islands and the conflict ensued until June 20.
St. John Paul II made an unscheduled 32-hour pastoral trip to Argentina during the Falklands War, following a visit to Britain.