Before dedicating his life to the Church, Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—experienced a youthful romance that left a lasting impression. At the age of 12, he fell in love with his neighbor, Amalia Damonte, in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Their innocent relationship included playing in the park and dancing together. Bergoglio even wrote her a letter proposing marriage, stating, “If I don’t marry you, I’ll become a priest.”
However, their budding romance was short-lived. Amalia’s parents disapproved of their correspondence, leading to the end of their relationship. Reflecting on this period, Amalia described Bergoglio as “big, mature, a wonderful boy,” and noted their shared humility and love for the poor.
Following their separation, Bergoglio entered the seminary and began his journey toward priesthood, eventually becoming Pope Francis in 2013. Amalia, who still resides in Buenos Aires, expressed surprise upon learning of his papal election, recalling their shared past with fondness. The GuardianThe Guardian
This early chapter in Pope Francis’s life offers a glimpse into the personal experiences that shaped his compassionate and humble approach to leadership
