Remembering 'Uncle Jorge': A Nephew's Tribute to Pope Francis

In a poignant tribute, José Ignacio Bergoglio recalls the influence and warmth of his uncle, Pope Francis, who remained "Jorge Mario" to family. His memories highlight a familial connection beyond the papacy, emphasizing values of love, commitment, and making a positive impact on the world.

 

José Ignacio Bergoglio, the nephew of Pope Francis, fondly remembers his uncle as "Jorge Mario," the name that resonated within their family throughout the pontiff's 12-year tenure. "When Jorge decided to accept the papacy, we knew his life—and ours—would change," he revealed in an interview with BBC News Mundo. The Bergoglio family found solace in Pope Francis's passing, knowing he was finally at peace.

Before ascending as the first Latin American Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up in a close-knit household in Buenos Aires, as the eldest of five siblings. He cherished a special bond with his only surviving sibling, María Elena, who is now 77 and lives under the care of nuns.

As a father figure, Pope Francis significantly impacted José Ignacio's life, particularly as he navigated his childhood without a father. “Both my uncles, Alberto and Jorge, filled the void for me,” he shared. José Ignacio reminisced about the day his uncle was elected Pope, vividly recalling how he dropped to his knees in front of the television upon hearing the announcement.

“I went to my mother’s house, and we embraced, crying. Friends and family flooded in, and then the phone rang,” he recounted, laughing at the memory of his uncle playfully greeting him from Rome.

With a grand funeral expected to draw hundreds of thousands, José Ignacio chose to honor his uncle's memory by staying home and promoting charitable acts instead. He reflects on his last conversation with Pope Francis, where he shared the news of his wife's pregnancy. "The joy he expressed will forever stay with me," he noted as he recalled invaluable lessons from his uncle about making a positive impact through personal commitment.

"Change starts from within," the Pope had advised him, a sentiment that continues to resonate with José Ignacio deeply. Each conversation and memory shared with "Uncle Jorge" serves as a reminder of the values that define their family legacy.