If I Don’t Marry You, I Will Become a Priest’: Pope Francis’ Heart Was Also Broken; Here’s What His Love Story Was Like

Pope Francis, 88 years old, who is deeply revered around the world today, has an interesting and romantic story from his youth. There was a time when he fell in love with a girl who lived in his neighborhood, but after his heart was broken, he decided to become a priest. After this event, the direction of his life changed completely, leading him towards a religious life, and eventually, he became the first pope from Latin America.

Few people know about this chapter of his life, but it raises the question of whether his path towards faith truly began with a broken heart. In this article, we will explore the incident from his youth that led him to decide to become a priest.

Romance and the Broken Heart of Youth

Pope Francis’ real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and he spent his childhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Born into an Italian immigrant family, Jorge completed his education there and obtained a degree in chemistry. He also worked various jobs, including as a nightclub bouncer, chemical lab technician, and janitor. However, amidst all of this, he had significant spiritual experiences that inspired him to pursue the priesthood.

A Young Man’s Broken Heart and Its Impact

It is said that Jorge Bergoglio’s heart was broken when he was about 20 years old. He had fallen in love with a young woman, and the relationship became serious. According to some reports, Jorge had even considered proposing to her, but the relationship ended, possibly due to familial or personal reasons. This event proved to be a crucial turning point in his life.

Pope Francis himself has mentioned this incident in several interviews. He admitted that during his youth, he had normal desires, like falling in love and starting a family. However, over time, his purpose evolved into serving God and helping humanity.

Pope’s Love Letter: A Nostalgic Memory

In a quiet neighborhood on Membrieller Street in Buenos Aires, Jorge fell in love with his neighbor, Amalia Demonte. One day, he wrote her a love letter, which later fell into the hands of her parents. This love letter became a significant turning point for Jorge. In the letter, Jorge wrote, “If I can’t marry you, I will become a priest.”

Amalia recalled in an interview, “I remember well that he made a small wooden house for me, with a red roof, and on it, it said ‘When we get married, I will buy this.’”

However, the letter ended up in the hands of Amalia’s strict parents, who were very upset. Her mother even went so far as to break the wooden house and said, “So, you’re receiving letters from a boy?”

Afterward, Jorge and Amalia were kept apart by their families, and not long after, Jorge’s family moved away from Membrieller Street. Amalia also moved away, got married, and raised her family. Many years later, Amalia learned about Jorge through the church, but she never made an effort to reconnect with him.

What Happened Next?

After a few years, Amalia went on to live her life, married, and had a family. She never attempted to reconnect with Jorge. Meanwhile, Jorge’s path took him towards the priesthood, eventually leading him to his current position as pope.

Pope Francis has always emphasized humility and concern for the poor throughout his papacy. He demonstrated that his early experiences shaped his understanding that the purpose of life is not just personal happiness, but also to serve others.

Today, his journey has made him a beloved figure for millions around the world. His early romantic experiences, followed by his decision to become a priest, prove that personal struggles and heartbreak can lead to a change in direction, ultimately guiding someone toward a greater purpose.