Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death sparked renewed interest in his youth in Argentina, especially a childhood bond that may have influenced his spiritual path. Amalia Damonte, the only woman romantically linked to him, recalled, “If I can’t marry you, I’ll become a priest.” At 12, Jorge even drew her a house with the words, “This is what I’ll buy when we marry.” But their connection ended abruptly due to her strict parents. “That was the end of it,” Damonte said.

His sister, María Elena, shared that he never sought to be pope, often joking, “No, please no.” Still, she called his papacy “a blessing from God,” seeing in him a fulfilled heart.

Despite health struggles in his final years—including pneumonia and multiple hospitalizations—he stayed spiritually active. From his hospital bed, he prayed and celebrated Mass.Just days before his death, he made a final public appearance on Easter, blessing the crowd and calling for “religious freedom” and “peace.”

True to his humble nature, he requested burial at St. Mary Major, breaking tradition. As the world mourns, we remember not only the Pope, but Jorge—the boy shaped by love, faith, and loss.