Jesuit Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi has known Pope Francis since he was 18 years old. He recalls that during the Argentinean dictatorship the now Pope helped many people in need, especially those being persecuted.
CARD. ÁNGEL SIXTO ROSSI
Archbishop of Cordoba, Argentina
There was a lack of knowledge about the situation in Argentina, but we were aware that he helped people in difficult situations. He also helped people leave communist China. I mean, in that he has been really heroic in his courage and sensitivity.
Cardinal Rossi says that the Pope at that time had already developed a special concern for those most in need.
The Cardinal recalls that he was a seminarian during the Pope's time as rector. One time, while they were doing spiritual exercises, Bergoglio called Rossi to talk to him.
CARD. ÁNGEL SIXTO ROSSI
Archbishop of Cordoba, Argentina
He says to me: How are you doing? Fine. Are you eating well? I say, yes. Are you sleeping well? Are you comfortable? I was struck by that kind of question. And he says: go to the door of the seminary. There's a lady there with five children in the street. Leave the retreat, get her a house and when that woman has a house, come back to the retreat. So, of course I did that. And of course, I got it but I was thinking more of myself and getting back home than of her. That's Bergoglio.
Cardinal Rossi fondly remembers many other memories from those years.
CARD. ÁNGEL SIXTO ROSSI
Archbishop of Cordoba, Argentina
I was coming back from the neighborhood once. It was winter, cold and rainy. The neighborhoods are very simple neighborhoods. It was six o'clock in the afternoon. It was winter and rainy and nobody showed up. So I said: what am I doing here? I'll go back to the seminary. I returned. Dinner is at nine o'clock. I arrived at a quarter past eight. Bergoglio was at the door. The neighborhood where we were going was about 10 blocks away from the seminary. He passed me and said: 8:15. But weren't you supposed to come to dinner at 9:00? Yes, but… And he says to me: you have stolen 45 minutes of service from your people. Go back to the neighborhood. Of course I went. I had to go back.
You can never forget it. It leaves a mark on you for the rest of your life—in a good way. It may seem hard but it's not. It is a service to God's people.
Cardinal Rossi describes these experiences as having a lasting mark on his life. One of his main initiatives is the Open Hands Foundation, which offers help to people in need in several cities in Argentina.
JRB
TR: KG
