AN INTERVIEW WITH ARCHBISHOP Jorge Mario BERGOGLIO THAT I PERSONALLY KNEW OF….

 

Fr. Joseph Todde, called Peppino, a Sardinian parish priest in Ciampino, Rome had a close friendship with then Archbishop Francis Begoglio of Buenos Aires, who called on the Todde family whenever he came to Rome. At Peppino’s death on 1^st January, 2015, from the other end the voice over the Telephone sounded:  "Good evening, I am Pope Francis, I wanted to hold you close to me in your pain and express my sadness at the death of my dear friend Don Joseph." 

The Pope loved the parishioners, young and old, Peppino’s three brothers, their children and grandchildren. Numerous Italian and Argentine priests, had the privilege of ministering to the parishioners. This author too had the privilege to render pastoral services to this parish Church for two years, during his doctoral studies (2004-2006) at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), Rome. As the Archbishop Francesco, whenever he came to Rome for any meeting, he came to celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Ciampino.

In one such occasion, during his pastoral visit to this particular Parish, I took the courage to interview Francis Bergoglio.  Prior to the conclave for electing the next Pope after the death of John Paul II he had come to Rome for an important meeting. Cardinal Telesphore Toppo was then already at Vatican for the same purpose. Simple unassuming Francis (Archbishop) and I sat in the office of the Parish Priest. I asked him about who the next Pope is going to be, and about he being the future Pope, as his name was also going around as a prominent candidate. He just ignored such presumptions, and spoke about Asia’s contribution to the Church, especially as regards to the process of inculturation, about Card. Telesphore Toppo, about Asia’s contribution to the universal Church and his close association with the Salesians.

This Kennedy Avenue Parish for years had been a point of reference for Argentine priests/clergy students, whom the national coordinator of the time, in the 90s, Monsignor Jorge Bergoglio, sent to study in Rome and to collaborate with the Parish Priest of Beata Vergine Maria del Rosario Parish, through their pastoral ministry, especially on weekends.

(23 October, 2005 Rome): The Archbishop of Buones Aires, Argentina,  Bergoglio was interviewed at Ciampino Prish dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, Rome, by Fr. Soroj Mullick SDB, a doctoral research Scholar on Christian Education, on the then concluded 11th General Synod of Bishops 2005:

1.“Eucharist: the Living Bread for peace in the world”- why this title to the Synodal Document?

Jesus is alive, he lives on for peace and justice in the world. Jesus IS Eucharist. He lives on to realize peace in the World. The Eucharist, which is Jesus himself, continues acting for this peace in the entire world.

2.How come that the Concluding message of the synod speaks of  “a message full of hope” in the midst of all the difficulties that the Church and the World is facing today of which the Church Fathers have spoken elaborately at the Synod?

Jesus, yesterday, today and forever. He lives to the end…till the end of the world. This living Christ who embraces all, goes on bringing this message of hope like an Anchor, drawing all together towards peace and justice.

3.How did the Synod prepare to renew the missionary enthusiasm?

At the end of the celebration of the Eucharist, Christ sends all, saying “Go”. We must go to all the peripheries of human existence (He used the same expression in speaking publicly at the Synod). We are sent wherever we find this ‘periphery’ situation…in the parish, in the poor, in the heart of the city, in the lonely, in the hearts of men and women etc.

4.The Synod Fathers spoke at various times of ‘Inculturaiton’. In what way this process of inculturation is being suggested for the local Churches?

The Reforms of the Vatican Council II are to be realized. At the National level, that is, the Episcopal Conference should translate this in their particular regions and nations. The Synod fathers have affirmed that inculturized forms of religious expressions (including dances) be included in the liturgical celebrations.

5.Yesterday from the Italian TV, we have heard about your election to the Post Synodal Council at the very first voting. What do you say on this very first choice?

We hear people speaking highly about a person for a time being and then ‘all’ passes. People then forget. I was elected to be member of this council, to prepare the draft for the next Synod. Along with me there is also Bp. Telesphore Toppo too. Remember that this kind of  ‘greatness’ passes with time and then people forget.