Pope with special love for the poor, Our Lady, football & Tango

Brs Ricardo & Carlos with Tracy

In an interview yesterday with Latin American seminarians studying in Rome, Tracy McClure from Vatican Radio learns more about the life of Pope Francis. Both Argentinian Br Ricardo Saenz and Br Carlos Padilla of Mexico were thrilled when they heard the historic announcement in St Peter's Square on Tuesday.

Brother Carlos described how the Archbishop travels everywhere on public transport and has been specially concerned with people living in the poorest districts. He said: “In Buenos Aires we know he’s very much devoted to the work of justice and peace. In Buenos Aires he founded a Vicariate called ‘Priests for the Favellas’ (slums). So in our diocese he has a little structure of priests working just in the favellas.

“He himself would go there; he would cook for them on Christmas Day – even as Cardinal. He would go several times a year to these places. He knows very well all his 300 priests in the diocese…these are the places he loves to be.”

To read the full report and listen to the programme click here: www.news.va/en/news/francis-a-tango-loving-pope-with-new-shoes-love-fo