Long before leading the Catholic Church, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was just one more son of the streets of Buenos Aires, a young man shaped by the places, passions and faith that flourished in iconic landmarks of his native Buenos Aires .
These places witnessed his growth: Basílica de San José de Flores, The Basílica de María Auxiliadora y San Carlos, his fervent passion for the blue and red colours of Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro, and the imposing Catedral Metropolitana, the spiritual heart of a City that saw him set off for a transcendental destiny.
Let’s begin!
San José de Flores: his spiritual cradle
In the heart of Flores, at 268 Varela St, stands a modest terraced house that witnessed Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s early years, later known to the world as Pope Francis. It was there, in a humble family home, that the eldest son of Mario José Bergoglio, a railway worker of Italian origin, and Regina María Sívori, a housewife, was born on December 17, 1936.
Surrounded by the lively atmosphere of a household with several siblings, young Jorge grew up in an environment of solid values, developing a social sensitivity in the streets of his neighbourhood that would shape both his life and, eventually, his papacy. The echoes of his childhood games and his parents’ teachings still linger within the walls of that house, the birthplace of a spiritual leader who would transcend Argentina’s borders to guide millions of Catholic believers around the world.
In the same neighbourhood, the imposing Basílica de San José stood as a spiritual beacon that would indelibly mark Jorge Bergoglio’s life. It was within its walls that young Jorge experienced a profound vocational call during confession, a transcendental moment that planted the seed of his future as a leader of the Catholic Church. The proximity to this basilica, his active participation in parish life and the guidance of its priests were all fundamental pillars in the formation of his faith and the development of his pastoral sensitivity.
Another ecclesiastical institution that played a key role in his life was the Basílica de María Auxiliadora y San Carlos, in Almagroneighbourhood, where he received the sacrament of baptism.
His unwavering passion for football
A fundamental part of Jorge Bergoglio ’s identity was his unconditional love for Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro. In his native Buenos Aires, young Bergoglio immersed himself from an early age in the blue and red world, becoming a devoted fan of the team he loved.
His passion for "Los Santos" was not a mere pastime; it was a deep bond that accompanied him throughout his life. Bergoglio was not just another fan: he was an active member of the club, a clear sign of his commitment and passion.
Those who knew him at that time recall his genuine enthusiasm for San Lorenzo’s colours, a passion that he shared with the people, reinforcing his connection to his popular roots. Every match played by El Ciclón was an event that he lived with the same intensity as any other fan, a trait that reveals the humanity and simplicity of the man who would become the first Latin American Pope.
The Catedral Metropolitana: his last see before Rome
Before ascending to the throne of Saint Peter, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio devoted much of his ecclesiastical life to the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, serving as Archbishop of the Argentine capital. In this venerable building, the country’s foremost cathedral, Bergoglio not only celebrated Mass, but he also carried out an intense pastoral work that brought him closer to worshipers of all social backgrounds.
His sermons echoed through the pews of the Cathedral, drawing crowds in search of comfort, guidance and reflection in his words. For many, Bergoglio’s image at the high altar of the Catedral Metropolitana remains a vivid memory of his spiritual leadership in Argentina. For him, the Cathedral was not just a place of work; it was the heart of his ministry in Buenos Aires, a place where his closeness to the people and his pastoral vision were fully manifested.
This fascinating journey reveals the richness of a life devoted to service, a legacy of simplicity and closeness that he carried, from the end of the world to Rome, to become Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff. His path in Argentina was not merely the foundation of his papacy, but also a testament to how the identity and convictions shaped at home, can transcend borders and touch the hearts of millions.
House where Pope Francis was born and lived
Basílica de San José de Flores
Basílica de María Auxiliadora y San Carlos
Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro
Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires