Early years of Pope Francis in Argentina reveal insights into his reign in the Vatican.
On a typically uneventful day in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 13, 2013, Oscar Crespo, a local resident, found himself utterly astonished as he watched the iconic white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel. A new pope had been elected, and to Crespo's amazement, he heard the name "Bergoglio" echoing through the airwaves - a name he associated with his childhood friend.
As the world wondered who Jorge Bergoglio was, Argentina and Crespo were taken aback by the unexpected twist. To commemorate the historic moment, the local government organized a special tour, affectionately dubbed the "papal circuit," allowing tourists and pilgrims to catch a glimpse of Bergoglio's humble beginnings in his home town.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio grew up as the eldest child of Italian immigrants, Mario and Regina. He spent his formative years in the heart of the middle-class neighborhood of Flores, where he shared countless afternoons playing soccer with friends and chasing the ball around the Herminia Brumana square. His love for soccer never wavered, with the Argentine team San Lorenzo remaining his favorite throughout his life.
Young Bergoglio's life took a significant turn when he opted for the priesthood, entering the Jesuit religious order as a novice in 1958. His deep-rooted spirit of service paved the way for his eventual ordination in 1969, and his appointment as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
As a humble and austere Jesuit, Bergoglio forsake any semblance of luxury, even when he became archbishop. His refusal to live in the grand archbishop's palace and his simple lifestyle offered a tantalizing glimpse of the austere leadership that would come to define his papacy years later. Instead, he selected a modest apartment as his residence and opted for public transportation over chauffeured limousines. He even took it upon himself to cook his own meals.
Bergoglio's commitment to serving the poor and marginalized was evident in his visits to shanty towns outside the capital, where he became a familiar face. His unwavering dedication to serving others imbued him with the qualities that made him a formidable leader and a beacon of hope for millions of Catholics across the world.
As Pope Francis, he continued his tradition of reaching out to the marginalized, celebrating Mass in prisons, hospitals, and hospices. His inclusive approach to the Church and his affinity for the sinners resonated with people everywhere, earning him the admiration and adoration of millions.
Emilce Cuda, an Argentine theologist who worked closely with Francis, described him as an astute strategist who navigated the complex Vatican with humor and finesse. His ability to make people feel at ease, even in the face of nerves, was a testament to his charismatic personality and his innate sense of humor.
Bergoglio's camaraderie extended beyond the walls of the Vatican, as he made a point to stay in touch with his childhood friends. One such friend, Oscar Crespo, was left in awe when the pope called him personally, surprising even the close friend with this remarkable gesture.
Despite the extraordinary heights he reached, Bergoglio never forgot his humble beginnings at the end of the world. His unyielding dedication to those on the peripheries remains a testament to his extraordinary character and his unwavering commitment to faith and service.
- The world marveled at the identity of the new pope, Jorge Bergoglio, who was elected on March 13, 2013, and to Argentina, his childhood friend Oscar Crespo, it was an unexpected twist.
- After his election, the local government in Argentina organized a special tour, called the "papal circuit," for tourists and pilgrims to visit Bergoglio's humble beginnings in Buenos Aires, where he grew up as a child of Italian immigrants.
- Jorge Bergoglio, as Pope Francis, continued his tradition of reaching out to the marginalized, demonstrating an inclusive approach to the Church and an affinity for the sinners, which resonated with people worldwide.
- Despite becoming Pope, Bergoglio remained humble, eschewing luxury and choosing to reside in a modest apartment, take public transportation, and cook his own meals, demonstrating austere leadership that would define his papacy.
- Even among the hallowed halls of the Vatican, Bergoglio maintained his camaraderie, staying in touch with childhood friends like Oscar Crespo, leaving them in awe with personal gestures like a phone call.
