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| Amalia recalled how one day (sometime in 1948 or 1949), young pope gave her a love letter that proposed a marriage,'If I don’t marry you, I’m going to be a priest,’ it said. Reuters |
🧒 A Childhood Romance in Buenos Aires
In the modest neighborhood of Flores, Buenos Aires, a young Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later known as Pope Francis) fell in love with his neighbor, Amalia Damonte. At just 12 years old, Jorge penned a heartfelt letter to Amalia, proposing marriage and drawing a picture of a small white house with a red roof, symbolizing their future together. The letter concluded with the promise, "If I don't marry you, I'll become a priest." Amalia, recalling this gesture, described it as a "childish" act, and her parents, upon discovering the letter, prohibited further contact between the two .CBS News+2NewsX World+2Jagonews+2Diario AS+8Kerala Kaumudi+8Dailymotion+8
💔 A Love Deferred
Despite the young couple's deep affection, their relationship was short-lived. Amalia's parents intervened, ending their budding romance. Heartbroken, Jorge kept his promise and entered the seminary shortly after, eventually becoming the first Latin American pope. Amalia, on the other hand, continued her life in Argentina, and the two maintained occasional correspondence over the years .Hindustan TimesDailymotion+7The Daily Guardian+7The Week+7Cadena Dial
🕊️ A Love That Shaped a Papacy
The story of Jorge and Amalia offers a glimpse into the personal life of Pope Francis before his religious calling. It highlights the human experiences and emotions that shaped his journey to the papacy. As the world remembers Pope Francis, this tale of youthful love and sacrifice adds depth to his legacy .Diario ASThe Daily GuardianDailymotion+2Firstpost+2YouTube+2