Pope Francis’ nephew remembers the Father’s “Uncle Jorge” figure

For his family, Pope Francis was simply “Jorge Mario” – even for 12 years when he was a pantiff.

“When Jorge decided to accept the papacy, he understood his life the way he knew it would change forever, and we are as well,” said the nephew of Pope Jose Bergolio, BBC News Mundo.

“When we heard about his passage, it came with a certain comfort for the soul, because we knew that our beloved was finally in the world, and he was our uncle Jorge again.”

Before he became the first Latin American to head the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was Jorge Mario Bergolio, who was born in close, mid-class households in the capital of Argentine Buenos Aires.

He often described his connection as “as close as one hand”.

Among them, he shared a particularly special connection with his younger sister Maria Elena – now the only surviving member of his immediate family.

Pope Francis also played a major role in the life of his nephew, son of Maria Elena Jose Ignacio, who grew up without his father.

“I always say that two uncles, Albert and Jorge, became parents, I missed my childhood so deeply,” said Jose Ignacio.

“Jorge knew how to be serious when needed, but he never lost spontaneity and humor. He was a warm, affordable uncle, and I loved him deeply.”

Jose Ignasio clearly remembers how his uncle Pope was chosen, and the moment that stunned him, especially after he rejected all the assumptions that Jorge could rise to the papacy.

“I went to a family friend’s house and we started watching the conclave. At the moment when the white smoke rose, I started tremble. I became incredibly nervous,” he said.

“Then the protodion came out and announced:” Habemus Pope. “I only heard” Giorgio Mario. “I knelt in front of the TV and started crying.”

A short journey to share the news with her mother, who lived only 15 quarters, took much longer than usual. Wherever he went, the locals stopped him to offer his congratulations.

“I hugged my mother at home and we cried for a while. Then the cousins ​​and friends started to arrive, and the phone shone with the hook.”

Among the chaos, with the local and international media located at their door, the phone again rang around 9pm. A distant voice at the other end simply said, “Hi.”

“Who I talk to,” I asked. “It’s Jorge, Baluda,” the answer came (using rough slang Argentines for “idiot”, often kindly).

“It was Pope Francis, oath,” Jose Ignasio reminded. “I handed a phone mom. When they talked, I watched her tears. It was an incredibly mobile moment.”

It is expected that on Saturday at St. Peter’s Square on St. Peter’s Square at the funeral of Pope Francis, including world leaders, Catholic officials, Catholic officials and mourning from all over the world.

However, Jose Ignasio said his family did not plan to go to Rome.

“We firmly believe that our place is here,” he explained, encouraging the women’s commemoration of Pope Francis, sacrificing to a charity, a gesture that he thought would be a more significant tribute.

Jose Ignasio shared the news about his wife’s pregnancy with the Pope during their last conversation, and the moment that will remain in his memory forever.

“The joy and emotions he expressed were deeply significant to me,” he said, adding that Pope Francis left him a powerful message to live the life of solidarity, rigor, humility and commitment.

He also remembered the conversation with his teenage years when his uncle was a cardinal, reminding it as the best tip, which he, if -got how to make the world the best.

“The changes come from the inside, through commitment,” the uncle told him.

“If you are dissatisfied with the police, you will become a policeman and change it from the inside. If you are unhappy with politics, get involved in politics. With commitment and conviction, we can create a better world,” he said.

“I think this is one of the deepest lessons I learned from him.”