The trajectory of Jorge Bergoglio, who was known worldwide as Pope Francis, is marked by a simplicity that remained even after his elevation to the maximum leadership of the Catholic Church. In reports to Luciana Taddeo, correspondent of CNN Brazil In Buenos Aires, close friends of the pontiff shared memories of his youth and the period prior to his ascension to the Vatican, revealing little known aspects of his personality.
Oscar Crespo, now 87, has known Bergoglio since his youth and recalls the moment when the future Pope has revealed his decision to dedicate himself to the priesthood. According to Crespo, Bergoglio expressed: “My passion is to help everyone, I like to be in the villages, I would like to go to the interior of the country, to educate those who are still in indigence, teach them the language, help them in everything I can.”
Arminda Aragón, friend of Bergoglio in the Catholic youth of the Basilica de Flores, in Buenos Aires, where Francisco discovered his vocation, shares his memories: “They were very religious, very missionaries. I remember, they went out to Rivadavia, in front of the church, with a table and mission, they handed over books to the passing people.”
From youth to the Vatican: a life of dedication
Before his total dedication to religious life, Bergoglio was known for appreciating moments of fun and dance. Crespo reports, “He liked the fun. He had the characteristic of helping everyone, but he didn’t stop having fun.”
Even after his ordination, Bergoglio maintained his simplicity. Rabbi Daniel Goldman recalls that the Pope preferred to live at Santa Marta’s residence instead of the luxurious apostolic palace and used to meal the cafeteria with the local workers.
“He sits with them to eat, like one more. Not at a special table, but with anyone in the place that was empty,” says Goldman.
Bergoglio’s humility was also reflected in his daily life in Buenos Aires. During the archbishop, he lived in a small apartment and had no personal employees. A friend recalls, “I once went to eat with him and said to me,” you make the dough while I warm the sauce. “
The news of his election as a Pope was received with surprise and joy for his friends and Argentina. Curly recalls, “My home phone started playing because everyone knew about the friendship I had with him. Having a Papa friend is an amazing thing.”
This content was originally published in Francisco’s friends in Buenos Aires recall the Pope’s simplicity on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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