VATICAN CITY (AP) - In the heart of Vatican City, shopkeepers are mourning Pope Francis not merely as a global religious leader, but as an ordinary individual who brought a personal touch to their lives. Throughout his hospitalization, many prayed for his recovery, and now they deeply miss the familiar figure who engaged with them on a personal level.
Sebastian Padrón, an Argentine ice cream maker whose shop is located just around the corner from the pope's austere hotel room in Vatican City, spoke fondly of his long relationship with Francis over the past seven years. He recalled how Francis used to bring gifts for his children, expressing a familial warmth that made their interactions memorable. “The memory is wonderful, which is why it hurts so much,” Padrón shared. The pope had a well-known sweet tooth, and the dulce de leche ice cream from Padrón's store became his favorite treat.
When Francis was elected pope in 2013, he chose to live in the Domus Santa Marta hotel instead of the opulent papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, a decision that reflected his disdain for luxury and desire to connect with the general populace. He was often seen driving around Rome in an ordinary hatchback, stopping at shops to buy mundane items like shoe insoles, eyeglass lenses, and recordings of classical music and tango from Argentina. Francis had frequently lamented missing the freedom to walk around as he did back in Buenos Aires.
Raniero Mancinelli, a Roman tailor who provided Francis with the basic pectoral cross he wore for years, recalled the pope's affable nature. Mancinelli, who has tailored for the last three popes, noted that unlike his predecessors, Francis preferred everything to be simple, practical, and affordable. He recounted a memorable encounter when Francis purchased a cardinal’s sash from him before the conclave that led to his papacy, quipping, “Raniero, you’re a bit of a thief, you’re a bit expensive.” The remainder of her scarlet cardinal's outfit was comprised of hand-me-downs from his predecessor in Buenos Aires.
Francis also caused quite a stir on several occasions when he visited an optician's shop in Rome's historic center. Luca Spiezia, who co-owns the store with his father, vividly remembers the pope introducing himself simply as “Francesco” during their meeting in 2015. When offered a new pair of glasses, Francis graciously declined, requesting only new lenses for his existing frames, and insisted on paying for the service. “He never made you feel that he was a powerful figure in the world, even though he was the head of the church,” Spiezia reflected. He expressed hope that the next pope would carry on this humble spirit.
As the legacy of Pope Francis continues to resonate within the community, his connections with the people around Vatican City serve as a poignant reminder of his unique approach to leadership and to life itself. The personal anecdotes shared by those who knew him provide insight into a pope who strived to remain grounded amid the weight of his office.
