Pope Francis: A Man of the People, Loved by Rome’s Artisans and Shops

A Friend to Rome’s Artisans: Pope Francis’ Personal Connections

Pope Francis, the Argentine-born leader of the Catholic Church, has long been a familiar and beloved figure in Rome, even before his elevation to the papacy in 2013. Over the years, he has cultivated personal relationships with local artisans and shopkeepers, who have come to regard him not just as a customer, but as a friend. These relationships have been particularly evident during his recent battle with double pneumonia, as Rome’s artisans and shopkeepers have rallied around him, offering prayers and well wishes for his recovery. Among these loyal supporters is Alessandro Spiezia, the pope’s optician, who has known Francis for years. "The pope is by now a friend, a beloved person for me, not a customer," Spiezia said. "I am praying for his recovery."

Francis’ unannounced visits to Spiezia’s shop, located on the upscale Via del Babuino near Piazza del Popolo, often caused a stir. Tourists and locals alike would gather outside, eager to catch a glimpse of the pope. Despite the commotion, Francis would arrive in a simple Ford or Fiat, accompanied by minimal security, and wave warmly to well-wishers as he entered and exited the shop. These humble, unassuming visits have become a hallmark of Francis’ papacy, reflecting his commitment to simplicity and his desire to remain connected to the people.

A Sweet Tooth for Tradition: The Pope’s Favorite Ice Cream

Among the many artisans who have been touched by Francis’ kindness is Sebastian Padrón, an Argentine ice cream maker whose gelato shop is located near the Santa Marta hotel, where the pope resides within Vatican City. Padrón’s dulce de leche ice cream, a traditional Argentine caramel dessert, has become one of Francis’ favorite treats. The pope’s affection for Padrón’s ice cream began long before his papacy, and over the years, the two men have developed a warm and friendly relationship. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Francis even invited Padrón and his family to meet him in person. "He wanted to meet me since he had been eating our ice cream for a few years," Padrón recounted to The Associated Press. "We went with my family, we talked to him for a long time. A very nice meeting, very friendly, very simple, as if we were neighbors and as if we had known each other our whole lives."

Padrón and his family have been deeply moved by Francis’ gesture, and like many others in Rome, they have been praying for his recovery. "After we came to know of the hospitalization, we sent him our greetings, and as he always says, we must pray for him," Padrón added. The story of Padrón’s relationship with Francis offers a glimpse into the pope’s warm and approachable personality, as well as his deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.

A Tailor’s Devotion: The Pope’s Simpler Style

Another Rome-based artisan who has been touched by Francis’ humility and kindness is Raniero Mancinelli, a tailor who has been serving the Vatican community for decades. Mancinelli’s shop, located near the Vatican, has long been a favorite of clerics, including cardinals and bishops, who would often purchase lavish, gemstone-encrusted pectoral crosses from him. However, after Francis’ election as pope in 2013, the clerical style underwent a significant shift. Francis, known for his commitment to simplicity and humility, opted for a much more modest cross, made of silver, which he has worn ever since. According to Mancinelli, the cross Francis wears today was purchased from his shop, and it reflects the pope’s desire to embrace a more austere and essential style.

Mancinelli has been deeply moved by Francis’ choice, as well as by the pope’s ongoing support for his work. "We are all saddened and we all pray for the recovery of the pope," Mancinelli said. The tailor’s sentiments are echoed by many others in Rome, who have come to admire Francis’ commitment to simplicity and his rejection of the opulence often associated with the papacy. Francis’ decision to reside in the modest Santa Marta hotel, rather than the grand papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace, is just one example of his commitment to a simpler way of life.

A Love for Music: The Pope’s Record Shop Visits

In addition to his love of ice cream and his appreciation for simple, well-crafted clothing, Francis has also been known to indulge in another passion: music. For years, the pope has been a regular visitor to a local record shop near the Vatican, where he would stock up on his favorite classical music and tango recordings. This shop, like so many others in Rome, has become a place of comfort and joy for Francis, offering him a chance to relax and reconnect with his roots. As an archbishop in Buenos Aires, Francis was known to take public transportation, and his visits to Rome were often filled with similar moments of simplicity and authenticity.

In 2022, Francis visited the record shop once again, this time to bless its newly renovated interior and to spend time with its owners. The visit was captured on camera by a Vatican reporter, who happened to be in the area. Francis later reached out to the reporter, Javier Martinez-Brocal, with a lighthearted comment about the attention his outings often attract. "I won’t deny that it was (bad luck) that after taking all the precautions, there was a journalist waiting," Francis wrote. "You can’t lose your sense of humor." The incident offers a charming glimpse into Francis’ ability to find joy and humor in the everyday moments of his life, even as he navigates the demands of the papacy.

A Humble Leader: Pope Francis’ Connection to the People

Pope Francis’ relationships with Rome’s artisans and shopkeepers are more than just chance encounters; they reflect his deep commitment to living a life of simplicity and humility. Unlike his predecessors, who often resided in the grand papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace, Francis has chosen to live in a modest room at the Santa Marta hotel, a decision that has allowed him to remain close to the people he serves. His unannounced visits to local shops, his preference for simple clothing, and his love of everyday pleasures like ice cream and music all serve as reminders of his desire to remain grounded and connected to the world around him.

As news of Francis’ hospitalization spread, the artisans and shopkeepers of Rome have come together to offer their prayers and well wishes for his recovery. Their collective outpouring of support serves as a testament to the deep affection and respect they have for him, not just as a religious leader, but as a kind and compassionate person who has touched their lives in meaningful ways. As Francis continues to recover, their prayers and good wishes are a powerful reminder of the impact he has had on countless individuals around the world.

A Legacy of Simplicity and Compassion

Pope Francis’ relationships with Rome’s artisans and shopkeepers offer a unique glimpse into his personality and his approach to life. His commitment to simplicity, his love of everyday pleasures, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life have made him a beloved figure, not just within the Catholic Church, but around the world. As he faces the challenges of his health, the prayers and good wishes of those who know him best serve as a powerful reminder of the impact he has had on their lives, and of the enduring legacy of kindness and compassion he continues to build.

In the end, Pope Francis’ story is one of humility, simplicity, and a deep commitment to the values of love and service. His relationships with Rome’s artisans and shopkeepers are just one chapter in a life that has been marked by an extraordinary ability to connect with others, and to inspire them through his example. As the world waits for his recovery, the stories of those who know him best offer a powerful testament to the man behind the papal robes—a man of the people, and a true friend to Rome.