Pope Francis's Legacy Remembered by Nephew as 'Uncle Jorge'

In a touching homage, Pope Francis's nephew reflects on the warmth and wisdom of his uncle, offering a personal glimpse into the pontiff's life and legacy.

In a recent interview, José Ignacio Bergoglio fondly recounted moments with his uncle, whom the world knows as Pope Francis but who will always be "Uncle Jorge" to his family. Following the pontiff's passing, José Ignacio found solace in knowing that his uncle was now at peace—an experience shared by his loved ones across the globe.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, grew up in a modest, love-filled household as the oldest of five siblings. His close-knit family, tightly woven like "fingers on one hand," included his younger sister María Elena, now the last surviving member of their immediate family.

Bergoglio was not only a bishop; he fulfilled a fatherly role in José Ignacio's life, who faced the challenge of growing up without a dad. "My two uncles, Alberto and Jorge, became the father figures I deeply missed," he confessed. José Ignacio treasured Jorge’s ability to combine seriousness with spontaneity and humor, which made him a warm and approachable relative.

José Ignacio vividly remembers the day his uncle was elected Pope in 2013, a moment filled with surprise and emotion. Having previously doubted such a possibility, he was overwhelmed with joy as the name "Giorgio Mario" echoed from the Vatican, bringing him to tears. The news took him longer to share with his mother due to the flurry of well-wishers, but the most unforgettable moment came when he received a phone call from Pope Francis, who affectionately addressed him with endearments and brought comfort and laughter to the family.

As preparations unfold for Pope Francis’s funeral—expected to attract hundreds of thousands including dignitaries and admirers—José Ignacio clarified their family's decision to stay away from Rome. "We believe our place is here," he stated, suggesting that tributes to his uncle's memory ought to take the form of charitable donations.

José Ignacio also cherished the final conversation with Pope Francis, during which he announced his wife's pregnancy. The joy expressed by the Pope encapsulated a powerful message about humility and commitment that echoed throughout his life. He recalled a pivotal lesson from his uncle’s earlier days as a cardinal: "Change comes from within, through commitment." Whether it was addressing dissatisfaction with the police or politics, his uncle's wisdom on joining the ranks to effect change deeply resonated as a profound lesson on civic engagement.

This remembrance of Pope Francis as a family man encourages a wider understanding of the pontiff's legacy—one rooted in love, connection, and a commitment to making the world a better place.