The owner of a Buenos Aires newspaper kiosk got the surprise call of his life this week when Pope Francis called on Monday to cancel the delivery of his morning newspaper.
According to the
Catholic News Agency, the former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio called the kiosk around 1:30 p.m. local time and spoke to Daniel Del Regno, the owner’s son, who was surprised by the greeting, “Hi Daniel, it’s Cardinal Jorge.”
As might be expected, Del Regno at first thought the call was a prank orchestrated by someone who knew the former archbishop of Buenos Aires was a regular customer.
“Seriously, it’s Jorge Bergoglio, I’m calling you from Rome,” the Pope said.
Del Regno responded with tears, not knowing what to say.
“He thanked me for delivering the paper all this time and sent best wishes to my family,” he said.
Del Regno said that before Cardinal Bergoglio left for Rome, he asked him to gauge his chance at being elected Pope, to which the future Pope Francis responded, “That’s too hot to touch. See you in 20 days — keep delivering the paper.”
Before ending the call, Del Regno said the Pope asked him for his prayer.
Daniel’s father Luis said his family delivered the paper to the former cardinal’s residence daily and that on Sundays, the Pope would come by to buy another newspaper and chat with them for a few minutes before traveling to Lugano to minister to the young and sick.
The elder Del Regno said he will always recall Pope Francis’ simplicity.
“In June, he baptized my grandson. It was an amazing feeling,” Del Regno said. “I know what he’s like. He’s one of a kind.”
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