Photo credit: www.bbc.com

Pope Francis: A Family Perspective on His Life and Legacy

For those closest to him, Pope Francis was always affectionately referred to as “Jorge Mario,” even during his tenure as pontiff. His nephew, José Ignacio Bergoglio, reflected on the profound impact of his uncle’s decision to accept the papacy, noting, “When Jorge decided to take on this role, we all understood that our lives would shift dramatically.” Following the news of his passing, José Ignacio expressed a sense of solace, recognizing that “our beloved one is finally at peace, returning once more to being simply our Uncle Jorge.”

Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s humble beginnings trace back to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was raised in a tight-knit, middle-class family. As the eldest of five siblings, he often cited their closeness as akin to “the fingers of one hand.” Among his siblings, he shared a particularly strong bond with his younger sister, María Elena, who remains the last surviving member of their immediate family.

Influential Family Ties

Pope Francis’s role extended beyond the papacy into his family’s lives. He was a significant father figure to his nephew José Ignacio, who grew up without his own father. “I always say that my two uncles, Alberto and Jorge, filled a void in my life,” José Ignacio shared. He recalled how his uncle balanced seriousness with a delightful spontaneity and humor, establishing a warm and welcoming presence in the family.

The day Jorge was elected pope was unforgettable for José Ignacio. Initially dismissing the rumors of his uncle’s elevation to the papacy, he was overwhelmed the moment the white smoke appeared. “I was at a family’s friend’s house for dinner when the conclave began; my nerves surged when the announcement was made. I only heard ‘Giorgio Mario,’ and I dropped to my knees, tears streaming down my face,” he recounted, emotionally.

That evening, José Ignacio rushed to share the news with his mother, taking longer to navigate the streets than he anticipated, as congratulatory greetings poured in from locals. “When I finally reached home, we held each other tight and cried. The phone kept ringing with calls from family and friends,” he said. Amid the celebratory chaos, a familiar voice called from the other end, unexpectedly: “Hello.” It was Jorge, casually using local slang to greet him. “It was a moment that left me in awe; I handed the phone to my mother, and as they conversed, I noticed her tears drying up,” he reflected.

A Legacy of Compassion and Change

As Pope Francis departed from this world, a large gathering is anticipated in St. Peter’s Square for his funeral, attracting world leaders, Catholic figures, and mourners globally. Yet, José Ignacio and his family chose to remain in Buenos Aires, believing their tribute is best expressed through philanthropic gestures. “We believe our place is here, honoring his memory by giving to those in need,” he emphasized.

During their final discussion, José Ignacio shared the news of his wife’s pregnancy with his uncle, an experience he treasures. “The joy he exhibited was immeasurable, leaving me with a strong reminder to live with solidarity, humility, and commitment,” he stated. He recalled one of the most impactful lessons from his uncle during his teenage years when Jorge was still a cardinal: “A real change begins from within. If you find fault with society, engage directly to inspire change.” This advice remains a profound influence in José Ignacio’s life, a lesson he cherishes deeply.

Source
www.bbc.com