Skip to content

Who was Bergoglio? Life before Pope Francis: An Exclusive EWTN Documentary

Colm Flynn journeys to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to meet those who knew Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) best.

Colm Flynn journeys to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to meet those who knew Jorge Mario Bergoglio best. 

Traversing the vibrant neighborhoods of the capital, Flynn speaks with Bergoglio’s childhood friends—people who first glimpsed his early sense of vocation. The film moves through the city’s historic cathedrals, where priests and seminarians offer insight into Bergoglio’s evolving theology and deepening spirituality. 

Nationally acclaimed authors and journalists shed light on his life story and discuss the complex controversies he navigated with Argentina’s government. 

The documentary also explores Bergoglio’s reflective years in Córdoba, following his resignation as head of the Jesuit order in Argentina. 

Central to the narrative is the lingering question: Why did Pope Francis never return home to Argentina after his election? 

This one-hour documentary produced by EWTN News, delves into the formative experiences, challenges, and mysteries behind Jorge Mario Bergoglio—the man who became Pope Francis.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Outgoing Australian ambassador notes growing momentum of women leadership in the Vatican

Australia’s ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro says she has seen a rise in the participation and promotion of women’s leadership in the Catholic Church under Pope Francis. 
Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 29, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV congratulates the U.S. on its 250th anniversary

The pontiffʼs letter stressed religious freedom, the right to life, and the contributions of Catholics and immigrants to

Sculpture of St. Bakhita against human trafficking to be unveiled on Pope’s day

A sculpture against oppression and human trafficking features St. Josephine Bakhita, who experienced slavery firsthand, and will be

Virgin Mary doesn’t have ‘the role of holding back God’s wrath,’ Vatican expert says

Following the reaction to the new Vatican document Mater Populi Fidelis(“Mother of the Faithful People”), Father Maurizio Gronchi, a

It’s been 100 years since the Catholic Church’s first Council in China

A century ago, the First Council of the Catholic Church in China convened, led by Archbishop Celso Costantini, to indigenize the Church and separate missions from colonialism.

Inaugural Joaquín Navarro-Valls Prize: Celebrating Benevolence and Leadership

Designer Brunello Cucinelli Awarded for Conservation and Social Impact at the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com