Pope's childhood friend says they discussed marriage
- 11 years ago
Before he became Pope Francis, he was Jorge Bergoglio, the son of an Italian railway worker living in what is now a comfortable Buenos Aires neighborhood.
Amalia, who also lived in the same area, says she had a close relationship with the new pontiff when they were children.
SOUNDBITE: Amalia, Woman Who Says She Was A Childhood Friend Of Bergoglio saying (Spanish):
"He sent me a letter telling me that he was going to build me a house, that we would get married. And, unfortunately, my mother took the letter. I was looking all over for it and she said, 'So you're receiving letters from him."
But even then, she says, the priesthood was in his sights.
SOUNDBITE: Amalia, Woman Who Says She Was A Childhood Friend Of Bergoglio saying (Spanish)
"He said to me, 'If I don't marry you, I'll become a priest."
Bergoglio became a man of the cloth at age 32, committing himself to a life of service and poverty. And while many in his native Argentina are exc
Amalia, who also lived in the same area, says she had a close relationship with the new pontiff when they were children.
SOUNDBITE: Amalia, Woman Who Says She Was A Childhood Friend Of Bergoglio saying (Spanish):
"He sent me a letter telling me that he was going to build me a house, that we would get married. And, unfortunately, my mother took the letter. I was looking all over for it and she said, 'So you're receiving letters from him."
But even then, she says, the priesthood was in his sights.
SOUNDBITE: Amalia, Woman Who Says She Was A Childhood Friend Of Bergoglio saying (Spanish)
"He said to me, 'If I don't marry you, I'll become a priest."
Bergoglio became a man of the cloth at age 32, committing himself to a life of service and poverty. And while many in his native Argentina are exc