“He and my brother Andres were very close friends while they were in Argentina. They had a slight disagreement about Peronism, but they remained friends,” she says in her Argentinian accent. “They came here to Belgium during the military dictatorship in Argentina. At that time, the future pope was a Jesuit Provincial, and he was here for a meeting of the Provincials. I can’t recall the exact date, but it was during the time of Ongania (Juan Carlos Onganía, Argentine dictator from 1966 to 1970, Editor’s note). At that time, he was a young Jesuit. Three of them came to my house in Piétrebais: my brother, the future pope, and another Jesuit. There were five of us at the table, including my husband and me. They stayed for a meal and then left. We couldn’t have known at that time that he would become pope. It wasn’t written on his forehead.”
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What was he like when you met him?
“He was a very simple and nice person. Now, I can’t remember what I served him for the meal, but I assume it was very good.” (laugh)
How did it feel on the day in 2013 when the man you had welcomed into your home was elected pope?
“He was a family friend in Argentina. My brother was also a Jesuit, and they became friends; he often visited my parents. Eventually, our mothers met, and they became close friends as well. However, I had already been in Belgium for a long time. There are many Swinnens in Argentina. I had seven siblings, three of whom were priests. Each of them had between five and seven children.”
Your brother will be in Belgium for this visit by the Pope. I understand you received an invitation to the official dinner with the king. Is that correct?
“No, no, no… Someone submitted a list that had my name on it because I served as a contact for certain matters. That person sent invitations to everyone mentioned on that list to come to the royal palace. But it was a mistake, and that’s fine. It was really hard to figure out what this was about.”
What does it mean for Argentines to have a pope from their country? Moreover, the first non-European pope since the 8th century?
“It’s a source of pride for us Argentinians. But he is still half Italian.” (laugh)
Encountering Pope Francis: Personal Stories and Insights
A Remarkable Friendship Rekindled in Belgium
“He and my brother Andres were great friends when they were both in Argentina. They had a bit of an argument about Peronism but they remained friends,” she says in her Argentinian accent.
This touching recollection reveals the deep connections formed during tumultuous times. The backdrop is Argentina’s military dictatorship, during which many fled to find solace in other countries, including Belgium. Among them was the future Pope Francis, then a young Jesuit Provincial.
During a visit to Belgium for a meeting of Provincials, he found himself at a dinner table in Piétrebais, hosted by the family of one of his close friends. It was a simple meal, but the significance of that gathering would not be apparent until much later.
Memorable Encounter: The Dinner
What Was He Like When You Met Him?
“He was a very simple and nice person. Now, what I served him as a menu, I don’t remember anymore. But I suppose it was very good.” (laugh)
This anecdote encapsulates the humility of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who would later be known as Pope Francis. His approachable demeanor shone through even then, a quality that has defined his papacy and endeared him to millions worldwide.
The Surprise of Becoming Pope
Reflecting on His Election
“It must have had a strange effect on you the day when, in 2013, the man you had received at your home was elected pope?”
The family connection runs deep, given that the narrator’s brother was also a Jesuit. This commentary captures the unexpected twist of fate that took place when Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis, forever changing the lives of those who knew him personally.
“He was a friend of my family in Argentina. My brother was a Jesuit and so was he. They became friends and he often came to my parents. Then our mothers met. His mother and my mother became very friends.”
Such relationships highlight the communal bond among Jesuits and families that has persisted, even across continents.
The Significance of Pope Francis for Argentines
First Non-European Pope since the 8th Century
“What does it mean for Argentines to have a pope of their nationality?”
For many Argentines, Pope Francis’s papacy is a source of immense pride. It represents a cultural connection between Latin America and the global Catholic community. However, as the narrator humorously notes, “We have this glory, we Argentinians. But he is still half Italian.” (laugh)
Case Study: The Impact of Pope Francis’s Leadership
Spiritual Influence on Youth
Pope Francis’s emphasis on humility, compassion, and social justice resonates with the younger generation. His papacy has inspired many young people in Argentina and across the globe to engage in community service, advocating for the marginalized and making efforts towards environmental sustainability.
The Value of Humility in Leadership
His persona challenges traditional views of authority, illustrating that leadership does not equate to power but to serving others with kindness and empathy. This shift is crucial in the current social climate, where many seek relatable figures who advocate for change.
Benefits of Encountering Pope Francis: Personal Experience and Reflection
A Sense of Community
Many who have encountered the pope, whether in personal settings or large gatherings, speak of a profound sense of peace and belonging. His ability to connect on a personal level has brought hope and unity to people from various walks of life.
Practical Tips for Engaging with Papal Teachings
- Attend Papal Events: Opportunities to hear him speak in person can be transformative. Look for events when he visits your area.
- Participate in Community Initiatives: Join local organizations that embody his teachings on social justice and environmental stewardship.
- Follow His Social Media: Engage with his messages online; they often inspire action and reflection.
Interview Insights: Personal Narratives
As shared by those who know him, Pope Francis remains grounded despite his papal status. Fostering relationships rooted in humility and understanding has been paramount in his journey, not just from Argentina to Rome but from heart to heart across the globe.
This personal connection emphasizes the global shift towards compassionate leadership, resonating strongly with his vision of a more unified and caring world.
Papal Visits as Catalysts for Change
Pope Francis’s pastoral visits play a crucial role in galvanizing social movements and fostering dialogue on pressing issues, such as poverty, climate change, and human rights. Each visit symbolizes hope and the possibility for collective action towards a more equitable society.
Conclusion
Through personal anecdotes and broader themes of humility and leadership, the narrative of receiving Pope Francis in one’s home emerges not just as a historical footnote but a meaningful connection that continues to inspire. It showcases the potential for friendship and faith to foster understanding and change.
