Pope Francis: A Personal Reflection on His Legacy Through Salvatore Cernuzio's "Padre"

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, prompting a swift clearing of his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. This process was overseen by his close collaborators, who packed his belongings into sealed boxes. Amidst the hurried activity, a photograph of journalist Salvatore Cernuzio and his family was discovered in the pope's study, highlighting the personal connections Francis maintained throughout his life. Cernuzio's book, *Padre: An Untold Portrait of Pope Francis*, published shortly before the pope's death, offers a unique perspective on Francis's final months and his enduring legacy.

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Cernuzio's relationship with Pope Francis began unexpectedly during a papal flight to Iraq in 2021, leading to regular conversations and a deepening friendship. The book captures the essence of Francis as a leader engaged with contemporary crises, including his desire to visit the Gaza Strip and honor migrants who perished at sea. Cernuzio emphasizes that these ambitions stemmed from Francis's pastoral instincts rather than political motivations, reflecting his commitment to dialogue and engagement with pressing global issues.

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*Padre* also delves into the everyday humanity of Pope Francis. Cernuzio shares anecdotes that reveal the pope's humor and warmth, such as his interactions with world leaders and his approachable demeanor. The book illustrates how Francis's presence became a normal part of Cernuzio's family life, with the pope calling to check on them during dinner. This normalization of extraordinary experiences is a recurring theme, culminating in the poignant absence of the chocolate Easter eggs Francis used to send to Cernuzio's children after his death.

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The final chapters of *Padre* focus on Cernuzio's last encounters with Pope Francis, including a private visit to the pope's apartment following his hospitalization. Cernuzio recalls expressing affection through the Italian phrase "Ti voglio bene," which translates to "I love you" in a friendly context. This emotional connection underscores the depth of their relationship and the personal nature of Francis's legacy.

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Cernuzio argues that the true essence of Pope Francis's pontificate lies in personal gestures rather than institutional doctrines. He posits that Francis's prophetic nature is reflected in his choices and emphasis on human connection over ideological divides. The book's success coincides with the release of another volume, *Reactivating Pope Francis*, which offers complementary reflections on the pope's impact.

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Salvatore Cernuzio's *Padre* provides an intimate portrait of Pope Francis, emphasizing the personal relationships and human connections that defined his papacy. Through anecdotes and reflections, Cernuzio invites readers to reconsider the legacy of a leader who prioritized compassion and dialogue in a complex world.

National Catholic Reporter