The Heartwarming Story of Pope Francis’ Youth: A Crush, Tango, and Early Life in Argentina
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a heartwarming story from his youth has captured the public’s attention. Before his rise to the Vatican and his role as a beloved global leader, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known later as Pope Francis, led a simple, humble life in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Early Life in Argentina:
Born in 1936 into a middle-class family, Jorge grew up in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires. His family, originally from Italy, moved to Argentina in 1929 to escape Benito Mussolini’s oppressive fascist regime. Jorge's father worked as a railway employee, and his mother was a homemaker. Despite not facing economic hardships, the Bergoglio family sought a better life in Argentina, where Jorge would grow up to be the 266th pope.
According to his sister, María Elena Bergoglio, the family's decision to leave Italy was motivated by a desire to escape political turmoil. These early experiences shaped Jorge’s values, which he carried with him throughout his life.
A Normal Teenager with Big Dreams:
As a teenager, Jorge was known for being polite, studious, and protective of his younger sister. His love for chemistry was strong, but after a serious illness left him without one of his lungs, he abandoned his studies and eventually joined the priesthood at the age of 32.
In his youth, Jorge was also passionate about football and enjoyed playing with friends. He developed a love for tango dancing, which would later become a cherished part of his life.
A First Crush on Amalia Damonte:
One of the most touching parts of Jorge’s early life was his crush on a girl named Amalia Damonte, who lived just a few doors away from him. According to Amalia, their relationship was innocent and full of youthful charm. They spent time playing together in the streets and parks, sharing a love for helping the poor.
At one point, young Jorge wrote Amalia a letter in which he declared his feelings for her and even promised to buy her a little house with a red roof when they married. Amalia recalled the sweet gesture fondly, remembering the simplicity of their love.
“I remember perfectly that he had drawn me a little white house, which had a red roof, and it said, ‘This is what I’ll buy when we marry,’” Amalia shared in an interview.
A Short-Lived Romance:
Sadly, the romance was short-lived. Amalia’s strict parents did not approve of the relationship and took extreme measures to keep the young couple apart. Amalia’s father even physically punished her after receiving Jorge’s letter. Her mother confronted her directly, and soon after, Amalia was forbidden from seeing or writing to Jorge.
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Despite this, Amalia later admitted that their time together was a beautiful memory. “We were both humble and cared for the poor. In that sense, we were kindred spirits,” she reflected.
A Brief Flirtation with Love:
Years later, Pope Francis himself opened up about another romantic moment from his youth. He revealed that he once had a girlfriend with whom he enjoyed dancing tango. However, as he entered the seminary, his religious calling became clearer, and he ultimately chose the priesthood.
In an interview, Pope Francis also recalled a time when he was captivated by a girl at an uncle’s wedding. He was so taken with her that he couldn’t stop thinking about her, and it briefly made him question his decision to pursue the priesthood. But, as he explained, his faith and commitment to his vocation won out in the end.
The Legacy of Pope Francis:
Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, has left the world in mourning. He passed away after a long period of illness, which ultimately led to a cerebral stroke and heart failure. As preparations for his funeral take place, the world reflects on the life of a man who, from humble beginnings, rose to become a symbol of hope and compassion for millions.
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