In Buenos Aires, « he represented us as an argentines, but especially as poor » – Liberation

With a trembling hand, dressed in her uniform as a cleaning lady, she writes a few words on a card: « Thank you my father for being our voice. » It is 7 a.m. in front of the cathedral of Buenos Aires. Patricia came, before going to work, pay tribute to the one she calls « The Pope of the Poor ». She had met him several times when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, when he walked the alleys of the slums. « In my neighborhood, he knew everyone, not just the people of the Church. He entered the houses, listened to people, looking them straight in the eyes. He was austere, yes, but gave off great kindness. He said: « I prefer to be there with you only at the cathedral. » He was one of ours so we were so proud when he was elected, even if we knew that it also meant that we were going to lose him. He was going to represent us as an argentines, but especially as poor. ”

Jorge Bergoglio will never be returned to Argentina after his election. Patricia has her eyes that shine by placing her message at the foot of a column as well as a rosary: « If I had been able, I would have stayed for mass, but my boss refused that I am late, despite the circumstances. » By starting the office, the priest has a slightly chevotal voice of emotion: “It’s a spontaneous mass. Of pain, but also of hope ”, he begins. The first in a long series. All the sticking