21/04/2026
⬛Today marks the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis. This past year has made us realize how much we miss him. Can you miss someone you never even knew personally? You can—because Francis was simply close to us.
❤️We loved his spontaneity, openness, and enthusiasm. Many people were irritated, saying that certain things were not fitting for a pope—but hey, who sets the rules in the Vatican? Pope Francis showed that not everything has to be rigid and formal, and that a dignified ministry can be carried out in an unconventional, free-spirited way.
🤫That is precisely why he was so dangerous. That is why so many tried to stop him and silence him—not with bullets in St. Peter’s Square, as happened to John Paul II, but through a wave of anti-Francis propaganda that criticized his every decision and statement.
Personally, we owe Francis a great deal.
👉It was he who chose Kraków as the location for World Youth Day, where my husband and I met—and six months later, he blessed our family.
👉When we were immersed in grief after the death of Matias, a graphic designer from our Kraków committee, Francis unexpectedly began a gathering with a moment of silence and prayer for a young volunteer. It was a deeply personal experience for us.
👉And finally, it was one of Pope Francis’s last decisions to lease the premises on Borgo Santo Spirito, where our shop is now located. Thanks to that, we were able to be in Rome for his funeral, say our final goodbye in the Basilica, and later watch the conclave and the election of the new Pope Leo.
😭Do we miss him? Very much.
We are deeply grateful for his life.
P.S. We first published the “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” poster on the day he was elected to the See of Peter. When we learned of his death, we shared it once again—this time removing the “don’t.” Because the passing of a great man brings many tears.