
Tony Gentile / Reuters
Pope Francis personally called a Buenos Aires kiosk to cancel his newspaper delivery.
He's the leader of 1.2 billion Catholics around the globe, but Pope Francis isn't too busy or important to cancel his newspaper delivery.
The new pontiff — known as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio until his election — shocked an Argentinian newspaper seller when he phoned earlier this week to say he wouldn't be needing the papers any more.
"Hi Daniel, it's Cardinal Jorge," he told Daniel Del Regno, according to the Catholic News Agency.
Del Regno, whose father owned the Buenos Aires newspaper kiosk, thought it was a joke.
"Seriously, it's Jorge Bergoglio," the pope continued. "I'm calling you from Rome."
Del Regno said once he realized one of the most influential men in the world really was calling to make sure no more papers were delivered to his apartment, he was "in shock."
"I broke down in tears and didn’t know what to say,” Del Regno told the Argentinean newspaper La Nacion. "He thanked me for delivering the paper all this time and sent best wishes to my family."
"I told him to take care and that I would miss him," Del Regno added. "I asked him if there would ever be the chance to see him here again. He said that for the time being that would be very difficult, but that he would always be with us."
His father, Luis Del Regno, said he delivered the papers six days a week but on Sundays, the cardinal would come by in person and chat before getting on a bus.
Once a month, he would even return the 30 rubber bands that were put around the papers to stop them from blowing away.
As archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio was famous for rejecting the trappings of his lofty position. Every parish priest had his home phone number and he set aside time for them to call each morning.
The younger Del Regno said that when Bergoglio left for the conclave last month, he asked about his chances of being elected pope.
"He answered me, 'That is too hot to touch. See you in 20 days, keep delivering the paper.' And the rest is, well, history," he said.
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The Vatican must have given Bergoglio an Ipad...
... because he has the best news source: straight from the GOD
This is definitely a man who is used to doing fro himself and taking care of himself. If his attitude rubs off on the rest of the leadership in the church there should be a lot more money freed up to help people in need.
Agreed JS in SD, there is something about how is he is keeping to the principles he stated that shines through. The church may have some issues but at least it looks like Pope Francis intends to lead by example.
Maybe, like the Catholic Institution itself, he is afraid of any new knowledge?
I love it !
He's real.
Hey, Never Stop. This man is aware of what's going on, but the vatican church might not be.
Leaders of countries and corporations should take after this man. I just hope it isn't his downfall, there are a lot of nuts with guns out there.
cory and Pigotry,
If you read the article, he cancelled the paper that was delivered to his apartment in Argentina, as he now lives in Rome. No doubt he will read an Italian newspaper now.
I'm really starting to like Pope Francis. I think he is what Christ had in mind for the leadership of the Catholic Church. Now if we could find a few politicians that thought like him.....
Yes. I know. Simply a joke regarding the manner in which news is currently delivered.
Greetings Never Stop Asking Questions
The paper was being delivered to his apartment in Argentina. He resides in Vatican City now, which is located in Rome.
Nice Press Release, they are doing a good PR job of promoting this man.
Lets hope he can deliver a church that is inclusive, lacking in bigotry and scandal.
Never happen he will end up just like the guy who quit. You cannot stop a downhill runaway train in a moments notice. This is a hope for the best but expect the worst situation. He and the top dogs in the Church may be on a collision course one man cannot win.
I'm a Protestant and love this man - - if I had seen these qualities in other popes while growing up I would have converted!!! What a gem!!!
Yes, this does sound like a press release story, something intentionally planted in the press to help shape the Pope's image.
But, it is a nice story.
It is about time the pope got an e-reader, or better still, a tablet computer.
sorry dman but there is no comparison between looking at a computer screen and folding a newpaper. You do your thing and he'll probably be happy with his.
I'm not a Catholic but from what I have read about this man I really like him. My hope is for his humble leadership and life will influence many people regardless of their beliefs. May he succeed as Pope and be guided by God.
Yes, so far so good, but one thing you can be assured of is that he will not be guided by "God" because there is almost certainly no such thing, and even if "God" existed, it would have little to do with one silly religion's interpretation of it.
Yeah, the more I read about this guy, the more I like him. I really hope he does some wonderful things for his flock. I am an Atheist too, but the Pope being a really nice and down to earth guy could make a huge impact on the whole world. It really is encouraging.
The best thing I can hope for is that he will continue to be guided by reason.
Jwright-1317095 you are right on. We could all use some good examples of humility. The Holy Spirit was working diligently when the votes were cast. I pray the Pope finds the strength needed to follow what God has in store for him, Catholics and that the example set will positively impact those full of anger, fear and hate.
With the new Pope setting this example of austerity and humility to all the fancy pants self-important Cardinals and other Church officials --- one must fear for his life.
Definitely the common touch - I love returning the rubber bands story!
The rubber bands story do you have a link??
I will confess to not having a favorable opinion of Catholicism or the Vatican. Nor am I much of a believer in organized religion or God, but count me in as being impressed with this man so far, though I know he does not support many of same things as me. I hope he does right by his followers. He's off to a good start.
Best wishes to you, sir, and thank you for the breath of fresh air.
What kind of a jerk is it that will open a story about the Pope and tell all of us that there is no God?
If you choose to not believe in anything, go to another story.
I don't believe they are jerks as much as they are frightened, lonely, prideful, possible abused, and rejected. I suspect they tried to use God as a Magic Genie in the past to win the lottery, or get a date... and were horrified when He said NO. These people are crying for attention. They are to be pitied, to say the least! These stories are all they have left to turn to, Laura. May God have mercy on them all!
Dennis - it is refreshing to read a comment by an Athiest that does not immediately resort to bashing those who believe in God. You made a worthwhile contribution to the discussion - thanks.
Dennis, as this pope is a breath of fresh air, so too was your comment. I agree with el_duderino. He said it best.
You like what you have read about him and so do I. what good that will do is yet to be determined. So he rides a bus and saves rubber bands and now he is the head of a church that has over a trillion dollars in property in the United States alone that they pay not one dime in taxes on. I have seen many popes in my lifetime and not one of them has ever diverted the church from its course even though some have tried.
I like this guy. He understands what it means to lead by example. I have a feeling there are a lot of Cardinals and Bishops quaking in their expensive shoes and fancy robes as their new leader sets the standards for humility and simplicity.
Laura-313822, the jerk is you for claiming to have knowledge of things (God) without proof.
Jhony Barba, that's absolute nonsense.
Why is this news? Sure, he seems like a nice enough guy but I'm not going to judge him based on his first week.
It's whatcha call one o' them thar human interest stories... I'm a human and I find it interesting, even as an agnostic.
Gabriel, you are not being asked to judge him, merely offered evidence as to his personality so you may, in time, make any judgement of him fairly. Besides, it's kind of refreshing to read nice stories like this instead of the horror stories of death and tragedy, don't you think? Peace. Have a good weekend.
Gabriel ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ Right on!!! Maybe he'll be a great pope. Maybe he'll be an abysmal failure. Maybe his successes and failures wll be mixed. But, it is refreshing to see someone NOT judge him in the first week with little, or no evidence, one way or the other.
The guy sounds like a decent person but the minute he opens his mouth spewing out prehistoric beliefs about how people should behave and who they should love it sickens me to no end.
www.catholicarrogance.org
God must make you puke on a regular basis, Dennis... because every single thing that Catholics follow... even those "prehistoric beliefs about how people should behave and who they should love" is straight out of His Word! If you don't like it... you need to take it up with Him! You'll get your change soon enough, so get ready. Imagine how silly you will look like when you don't have anything to say to Him.
does that mean you are incapable of taking direction or accepting basic authority like ...let's say parents, teachers, or police officers? (Dennis)
Dennis, at least to some extent, that is his job.
We should all be more humble like this. That is a pretty good virtue and value!
I don't mean any disrespect, but do we really need to know what the Pope is doing during his every waking minute?
We should give him his own reality TV show.
jenny, if that were the case, the front page would be loaded with articles on the Pope... They just wanted to show his humility with this article.
I'm not a catholic, but I find stories like this kinda refreshing. Regardless of what you think of Catholicism or religion in general, the pope is one of the most influential people in the world, and showing how he has kept his humility and not forgetting everything back home is quite encouraging.
Forgive me Vie, but how exactly does cancelling one's newspaper delivery equal an act of humility? I've cancelled my subscriptions many times. Does this mean I'm a humble person as well?
We need to know this about as much as we needed to know what the President's kids named their pet and who the designer was for the First Lady's dress.
It's human interest, try not to get wrapped around the axle about it.
jenny, i get your point but i don't think you know or realize how big the position is and the amount of responsibility is that he has. Most would have told their assistant (whatever they call the pope's helper) to do it, if they remember at all. I mean, the guy was just elected pope. To answer your question, it may not mean you are humble but does show that you're a responsible person, which is important too!
Redwizard ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ From now on till death or his own retirement, he wil be in the public eye. That's already pretty much of a reality show.
I think I will like him a lot. I have always admired st. frances because of his love of nature and from what I know this pope is a caring person. I shall keep him in my prayers.
This guy is going to drive the Papal hierachy crazy..................LOL. Maybe he'll start asking some of these high level cardinals "What is it you do again?"
millions of us too have cancelled the paper, cable, phones, Internet, lawn mowing, eating out, traveling, car insurance, memberships everywhere, stopped movies, canceled magazines, stopped shopping. We are off the power grid, off the water grid, live within our means.
Sooo....what brings you here?
Americans- I think you missed the point. The point is that this man has become one of the most influential people on Earth, and he still took the time to do this, to take care of something that meant something to a person halfway across the globe.
it's pretty hard to believe that Americans could have missed the point.Sounds like another one of those people who can't stand his lot in life.Whatever it may be.
I am so tired of hearing about the pope. I can't wait for the coverage of the first papal public flatulence.
ww.BishopArrogance.org
There was no requirement that you read this article.
I don't care for the Kardashians. Therefore, I don't read stories about them and I don't watch their silly little shows.
Many people do have the ability to choose what they read and what they ignore, and can figure out that an article with the pope in the headline is probably about the pope.
Laura while I get your sentiment...the Kardashians do not tell millions what to think and do, do not have great influence in many governments.
What this man and the Catholic church push does have an impact, and it is not one that most of the world agrees with. The Catholic church has threatened to excommunicate politicians who do not adhere to Catholic teaching when they vote or pass laws. Trying to pressure our elected officials to give their allegiance to a church when voting over the people who elect them is simply wrong. And it is against the oath of office they take.
Frankly,
I'm not arguing with you but the fact is that the Kardashians DO have influence over many people.
Sears wouldn't have a Kardashian line if they didn't believe it too.
And this is news why?
If you are going to ask, why did you read it as the headline is a tip as to what it's about. And also because you probably contribute nothing to make you newsworthy.
Oh yea and this guy looks just like Abe Vigoda!
For those who asked, "Why is it news?" the answer is this:
1) Proximity (which as nothing to do with geography) - this story is of interests to Catholics (and some who are not) who are interested in the new Pope and probably many Argentinian nationals at home and abroad.
2) Prominence - the Pope is a person of prominance... while canceling his newspaper may not be something spectacular the fact that he is the head of the Catholic church and did so personally garners attention. It may have been just as note worthy if the President personally canceled his newspaper subscription and not an aide.
3) Human Interest - it's a warm and fuzzy human interest story.
A news story doesn't always have to deal with war, politics, economics, or other high profile events to be a news story, but those things may garner more attention. If you aren't interested, then don't read the story... it is as simple as that.
Finally! a voice of reason!
While I enjoyed the article, and yes, from the headline I anticipated it would be about the Pope. I was most impressed that he made a point of recycling the rubber bands. He spoke of environmental conservatorship during his installation and he apparently walks the walk not just talks the talk. Unless of course conspiracy fanatics think it was all a set up for when he became Pope.
It isn't...it is based on a Press release from the Church as a part of a larger campaign. PR is not news, it is a form of advertising that is unpaid. So much of what you read is exactly that.
And that is all many magazines are, Vogue for instance is not anything but an advertising vehicle, even the 'editorial' is negotiated for with the companies that advertise. The magazine agrees to feature X number of items when you purchase X number of pages. I know, I negotiated such contracts.
People will appreciate those 'old people with old beliefs' once they are gone. One should never forget the past and the lessons learned from it.
True! Those who refuse to learn history are doomed to repeat it!!
This is all just the usual Roman Catholic PR snowjob.......they have not changed.....what exactly has this guy done to the Catholic pedophile enablers? Oh, I see.......it was filth like Mahoney that voted for him?
Actually Torqunada you don't know that. Even if it were true he would have needed 2/3 of the Cardinals to vote for him not just 1.
a 2/3 vote of cardinals would be that 70 out of 115 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel in Rome would've voted for him...which is what happened as you see here. Another thing, the Conclave where they were enclosed completely from all media and communication of the outside world for days until they came out to announce that they had chosen this cardinal as Pope would indicate that NO ONE knows how the voting process went but that a 2/3 vote was needed in order to elect a Pope as stated above.
Torqunada <<<~~~>>> The man's been Pope for just a few days, now. Give him time! Oh, and don't count on him doing EVERYTHING you told him to.
Torq the people on here are right, Rome was not built in a day. The new Pope has also done nothing (as Pope) to alleviate world hunger, bring Peace to Africa, Raise the Educational Level at Catholic Schools, Etc Etc.
He is not God, he needs more than 7 days.
Well this did give me a bit of a chuckle
Oh how humble this man is, in between calling gay marriage a machination of the father of lies and saying women are not fit for positions of leadership.
I'm more than a little disappointed in NBC.
Why? Do you want NBC or any other form of media to pick and chose what they print based on your preferences?
I'm not Catholic, but I sure admire this guy. Leading by example can be very powerful.
Even if not, when we all lay down for our last time, I believe he and other like him will be well received.
I've delivered papers before. I appreciated it when someone formally cancelled. LOL
He also called NAMBLA and canceled his monthly newsletter.
Sam...
A sick post, but I am sure you know about that cancellation as an Officer in that group....
Extra, extra!! Pope takes dump! Film at 11.
how much of a bet he keeps up this "humble" stuff and reforms anything, he will be assassinated!!! by the "CURIA" an inside job!!!! mark my words!!! they will hate him very soon!!!!!
So, then, Brian, why did they elect him? :)
.
Who TF gives a sh!t?
If you weren't interested, why did you click on the link and read the article? Just to try to make someone else's day as miserable as your own? Sad, very sad. There are plenty of us out here that do give a sh*t.
He likes to see his user name in print. It's probably the closest he will ever got to any form of notice by anyone in the world at any time now or in the future.
I LOVE this guy!!!!! What a glorious breath of fresh air and I swear, I get tears of gratitude in my eyes every time I read an article about how this fabulous Pope is doing. Whatever power has been out there in the world has been so painful and divisive that this is just a gift I'm for which I am so grateful. God Bless you, Francis.
The "Pope" can suck a fat one. All these human beings bowing down to another ordinary human being, the guy still takes a dump. He is nothing special. He does not talk to a god. Can't we drop this silliness and move on into the future?
you go ahead, we'll catch up later...