Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, tributes have flooded the internet—photos, prayers, and countless stories honoring the revolutionary Argentine pontiff. But beyond his teachings and historic reforms, Francis also left behind a deeply human legacy. He was full of contradictions, quiet routines, and surprisingly relatable quirks.
If you thought you knew Pope Francis, think again. Here are nine lesser-known facts about the late pontiff that might just surprise you—and maybe make you love him a little more.
See also: The “Black Pope” Prophecy: Nostradamus May Have Seen This Coming
Here’s What You Didn’t Know About Pope Francis—And It’s Surprisingly Relatable
1. He Didn’t Watch TV for Over 30 Years
And no, it wasn’t part of a trendy digital detox. In 1990, Francis made a personal vow to the Virgin of Carmen to stop watching television—and he kept it until his last day. No news, no soccer games, no late-night dramas. Just vibes and prayer.
2. He Was the First American Pope
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis made history as the first American and first Jesuit pope. He brought Latin American heart and Jesuit intellect to the Vatican—and it showed.
3. Internet? Never Heard of Her.
When asked in an interview whether he browsed the internet, Francis simply answered, “Nothing.” No memes, no email threads, no endless scrolling. A man of God and peace of mind.
4. He Was a Die-Hard Football Fan
Sure, he didn’t watch the matches—but he lived and breathed fútbol. Francis was a lifelong fan of San Lorenzo, one of Argentina’s most beloved teams. And no, it wasn’t bandwagon fandom—this devotion ran in the family.
See also: 25 Historic Photos That Capture the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis
5. His Sleep Routine Was Brutal (But Effective)
Francis went to bed at 9 p.m., read until his eyes teared up from sleepiness, and woke up at 4 a.m. sharp. He powered through the day on six hours of sleep and a 40-minute nap after breakfast. Holy discipline.
6. He Had a Childhood Crush That Changed Everything
At age 12, Francis fell hard for a girl named Amalia Damonte. They wrote secret love letters… until her parents shut it down. He famously told her:
“If I can’t marry you, I’ll become a priest.”
And the rest? Catholic history.
See also: “If I Can’t Marry You, I’ll Become a Priest”: Pope Francis Love Story That Changed His Life Forever
7. He Rarely Cried in Public—But He Felt Deeply
Francis admitted he didn’t like crying in public. Still, there were moments he got visibly emotional—like when he spoke about persecuted Christians in Iraq. A few tears slipped out, but he wiped them away discreetly. Vulnerability in silence.
8. He Read Just One Newspaper—and Fast
Every morning, Francis skimmed La Repubblica, an Italian paper geared toward the middle class. Ten minutes, tops. He didn’t need endless news cycles to stay informed.
9. He Refused to Live Like Royalty
Francis famously said, “I’m not made to be a monk.” Instead of the Apostolic Palace, he chose to live in the Santa Marta guesthouse—an open, communal space where he could eat with others, celebrate Mass, and stay close to the people. For him, being surrounded by community wasn’t optional—it was essential.
Pope Francis was many things—a reformer, a leader, a symbol of change. But beyond the history books, he was also a man of quiet habits, bold choices, and unexpected quirks. These small details remind us that even the most powerful spiritual figures are still deeply, beautifully human.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Nayely Aguilera in Cultura Colectiva.
