Francisco’s friends in Buenos Aires remember the simplicity of the Pope

The path of Jorge Bergulio, which was known all over the world as Pope Francis, is characterized by the simplicity of even after its height to the maximum leadership of the Catholic Church. In reports to Luciana Taddeo, correspondent CNN Brazil At Buenos Aires, the close friends of Pontif shared the memories of his youth and the period before his rise to the Vatican, and he did not reveal the known aspects of his personality.

Oscar Crespo, 87, has known Bergolio since his youth and remembers the moment when the Pope revealed his decision to devote 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 inner part of the country, to educate those who are still in wanting, teaching them language, and helping them in everything I can.”

Armena Aragon, Bergolio’s friend of the Catholic youth in Bazilica de Flores, in Buenos Aires, where Francisco discovered his profession, sharing his memories: “They were very religious, very missionaries.

From young people to the Vatican: a life of dedication

Before his complete dedication to religious life, Bergolio was famous for appreciating moments of fun and dance. “He loved fun. He had a feature of helping everyone, but he did not stop fun,” Crespo said.

Even after coordinating, Bergolio maintained his simplicity. Rabbi Daniel Goldman remembers that The Pope preferred to live at the residence of Santa Marta Instead of the luxurious Apostolic Palace and is used to take cafeteria with local workers.

“He sits with them to eat, like another one. Not on a private table, but with anyone in the place where he was empty,” says Goldman.

Bergulio’s humility was also reflected in his daily life in Buenos Aires. During the head of the bishops, he lived in a small apartment and had no personal employees. “I went once to eat with him and told me,” you make the dough while I am on the sauce. “

The news of his election was received with a surprise and joy for his friends and Argentina. “My phone started at home playing because everyone was aware of the friendship I faced with him. The presence of a door friend is great.”