Our hearts ache. Pope Francis left this world, but he will never leave our hearts. Jorge Mario Bergoglio—an Argentine who has already made History, with a capital H—passed away at the age of 88 this Monday, April 21st, just one day after Easter Sunday. He is mourned everywhere with dismay, and we bid him farewell with the greatest possible admiration. His mark will be indelible.
Universally respected, the papacy of Jorge Mario Bergoglio will always be remembered for his unconditional love for the humble and the disadvantaged, for his incomparable vocation for service, and for his dedication to the most noble causes. He assumed office on March 13, 2013, and since then, his leadership has borne the imprint of those elected.
An honorary member of our club, his passion for San Lorenzo always moved us especially, and unites us in constant prayer for his soul. Since he was a child, the blue and red colors captivated him, thanks to his family's command: his father, Mario José, played basketball on Avenida La Plata. From his home in Flores, he learned to love Ciclón. And he enjoyed that iconic team, champion in 1946, at the Viejo Gasómetro, whose forward line featured Armando Farro, René Pontoni, and Rinaldo Martino. His adoration for René was unparalleled.
Always close to the club, he celebrated a mass in the Ciudad Deportiva chapel when he was already Archbishop of Buenos Aires (a position he assumed in 1998) and administered the sacrament of Confirmation to several kids from the boarding house, including Angelito Correa. And he celebrated every achievement with us, with enormous generosity, receiving the delegations that visited him in the Vatican during his papacy. Last year, for example, he received our president, Marcelo Moretti, who officially proposed that the future stadium on Avenida La Plata bear the name "Pope Francis." Moved, the Holy Father accepted without hesitation.
He was a key player in Argentine institutional life, a thoughtful, open, cultured man, and absolutely committed to his convictions and worldview. And a San Lorenzo fan who filled us with pride, spreading this wonderful passion at every opportunity.
Farewell, dear Father! And thank you for leaving us your example.