Jobaaj Stories
Pope Francis' Family Remembers 'Uncle Jorge' with Love and Gratitude
As the world prepares to honor Pope Francis, his family in Argentina is mourning the loss of the man they knew simply as "Uncle Jorge."
For them, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was never the distant figurehead of the Catholic Church — he was the warm, loving heart of their family.
"When Jorge accepted the papacy, he knew his life would change forever — and so did we," said his nephew, José Ignacio Bergoglio, in a heartfelt conversation with BBC News Mundo. "Now, with his passing, we find peace in knowing our Uncle Jorge is finally at rest."
A Deep Family Bond
Born into a close-knit, middle-class household in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was the eldest of five siblings. Their connection was so strong that he once described it as being "as close as the fingers of one hand."
Among them, his bond with his youngest sister, María Elena, stood out. Today, at 77 years old, María Elena remains the only surviving member of the Bergoglio siblings, living under the care of nuns in Buenos Aires.
Family was always at the center of Jorge Mario’s life, long before he became the leader of over a billion Catholics around the world.
A Father Figure for His Nephew
For José Ignacio, Pope Francis was more than an uncle — he was a father figure.
"Growing up without a father, I leaned on my uncles, Alberto and Jorge," José Ignacio shared. "Jorge had a way of being serious when needed but never lost his humor and warmth. He was someone you could always trust and laugh with."
José Ignacio vividly remembers the emotional moment when his uncle became pope. Watching the conclave on TV, he trembled as the white smoke rose, and when he heard "Giorgio Mario," he fell to his knees in tears.
"I ran to my mother's house, and we cried together. It was a moment of overwhelming pride and emotion," he recalled.
Later that night, amidst the chaos of media attention, José Ignacio picked up a phone call. On the line was the new pope himself:
"It's Jorge, boludo," his uncle said, using a typical Argentine expression that brought laughter and tears in equal measure.
Staying Close to Home
Despite thousands gathering in Rome for Pope Francis's funeral, José Ignacio confirmed the family will not be attending in person.
"Our place is here," he said simply, encouraging those who wish to honor Pope Francis to donate to charitable causes instead — a gesture that would have deeply touched the late pontiff.
The family believes that living by the values Pope Francis preached — solidarity, humility, and compassion — is the best tribute they can offer.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
One of the most meaningful memories José Ignacio carries is his last conversation with his uncle. He had shared the news of his wife's pregnancy, and the joy it sparked in Pope Francis was unforgettable.
The Pope also left him with lasting advice from his teenage years:
"Change comes from within. If you don't like how things are, get involved and change them yourself," Jorge told him.
For José Ignacio, these words remain a guiding light — a reminder of the deep and lasting impact "Uncle Jorge" had, not just on the world, but on those who knew and loved him best.
