Pope Francis

When Pope Francis first appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Cathedral after his proclomation only a few insiders knew who this successor to Saint Peter was. But nobody knew which wonderful anecdotes of the 'Cardinal of the Poor' are told in his home country.

It is well known that South Americans like to seek the nearness of others. But a Pope who hugs and kisses visitors was a sensation in the stiff and formal ceremonial of the Vatican.

Read here about the lively young boy Jorge, a 'little devil' who has been a fanatical football fan since childhood. Learn how an unhappy love affair and an unknown priest in the confessional tipped the balance in favour of his becoming a priest.

Francis was an accomplished tango dancer and loved going out with his young friends to the various tango bars in his Argentine home town.

As a priest he once christened an unmarried mother's seven children and afterwards bought them Cola and sausage rolls. As Archbishop he travelled with the Underground and lived

in a modest flat instead of in the Bishop's Palace.

Francis is bringing new life to the Catholic Church. Share our enthusiasm for these cheerful stories of the new Pope who as Holy Father has no problems in personally calling kiosk owners and doormen on the telephone and thus almost causing them nervous breakdowns!