Pope Francis in white religious attire and a broken heart emoji next to him.
LIFESTYLE

The Real Reason Why Pope Francis Broke up With Amalia Damonte, His Great Love

Amalia's father's opposition was key in the decision that led Jorge Bergoglio to become a priest.

Pope Francis, admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to a respiratory infection, remains in a delicate situation. While the world closely follows his condition, memories of his youth have resurfaced, including his love story with Amalia Damonte, the woman who could have changed his destiny. Now, after decades of speculation, the true reason for their breakup has been revealed: Amalia's father's opposition.

Francis faces one of his most delicate health stages. Since his admission to Gemelli Hospital, his condition has experienced ups and downs. Recently, the Vatican reported that he suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure, which forced doctors to apply non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

Pope Francis dressed in white religious attire, including a zucchetto and a hanging cross, waving with one hand.
The latest update from the Vatican on Pope Francis's health condition | Europa Press

Sources close to the Vatican have indicated that, despite the severity of the clinical picture, the pontiff has remained conscious and in stable condition. However, uncertainty persists, and the Catholic world continues to pay close attention to every new update on his condition.

Meanwhile, interest in Jorge Bergoglio's life before he decided to devote himself to the Church has increased. A notable story is the relationship he had with Amalia Damonte in Argentina. A relationship marked by the innocence and intensity of a first love, but also by her family's imposition, which ended their romance.

The Real Reason Why Pope Francis Broke Up with Amalia Damonte, His Great Love

Jorge Bergoglio and Amalia Damonte were two teenagers who shared moments of joy and complicity in the streets of Buenos Aires. They met in their neighborhood, and their bond soon became a romantic relationship. However, their love never had the chance to fully blossom, as Amalia's parents were adamantly opposed to the relationship.

The Damonte family's refusal was a blow to the young Bergoglio. In a show of determination, he wrote Amalia a letter that marked his destiny: "If I don't marry you, I'll become a priest." And he kept his word, as months later, he entered the seminary without imagining that he would later become the leader of the Catholic Church.

From Argentina, Amalia Damonte has fondly remembered who was the first love of her life. In statements to the press, she expressed her total admiration for Pope Francis, highlighting his personality and her experiences with him.

Pope Francis during the proclamation of new saints of the Catholic Church on World Mission Day 2024, at the Vatican, on October 20, 2024.
Pope Francis and Amalia Damonte: a youthful love that changed history | Europa Press

"Jorge was a person who, as a child, was great, mature, a wonderful boy. We played on the sidewalks or in the local parks, we danced... We were very humble and loved the poor, in that we were soulmates," Amalia commented.

Additionally, Amalia confirmed the authenticity of the iconic letter Jorge sent her, assuring that the memory of his promise remains present in her memory. "He sent me a little letter with a drawing and a tender message: 'if I don't marry you, I'll become a priest.' And that's what happened," she explained.

That youthful love remained in the past, but its mark was indelible. Jorge Bergoglio transformed the pain of separation into a path of service and dedication, the same path that led him to the papacy. Over the years, Amalia Damonte and Pope Francis have maintained contact through letters, showing that, although their paths took different directions, respect and affection never disappeared.

Medium shot of Pope Francis walking with a cane and a smiling face.
The promise that changed Pope Francis's life | Europa Press

The love story between Pope Francis and Amalia Damonte is a testament to how past decisions can define a destiny. While everyone remains concerned about his health, this anecdote reminds us that behind the figure, there is a man whose life was marked by love, faith, and renunciation. What would have happened if the circumstances had been different?

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