Esther Ballestrino

Esther Ballestrino was a Paraguayan biochemist and social activist known for her commitment to social justice and human rights in Argentina. She played a crucial role in the fight against political repression during the military dictatorship in Argentina, co-founding the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, a group of mothers searching for their disappeared children. Her friendship with Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) significantly influenced his views on social justice and humanitarian issues. Tragically, she was kidnapped and disappeared by the military regime, becoming one of the many victims of state terrorism, which underscored the dangers faced by those who stood up for human rights during that dark period.