Pope Francis may be best known for his simplicity and humility. This openness, paired with his choice of footwear, has altered the conversation deeply. His story began from the now-gentrified, middle-class Flores neighborhood of western Buenos Aires. There, for the first time, he owned a pair of shoes, purchased from a village cobbler. The Muglia Shoe Store, still managed by the Muglia family, has grown into an institution of the community. It’s widely known for its quality craftsmanship and dirt cheap prices.
Jorge Bergoglio, today’s Pope Francis, bought his first pair of shoes from the grandfather of Juan Jose Muglia. The Muglia family has roots deep in the neighborhood, having been the first cobblers to move in. This family link to the world of craftsmanship trade has loomed large in Pope Francis’s life. So he continued to purchase any shoes he needed from that same little store. This decision highlighted just how committed he was to his roots and the community surrounding him.
As he’s shown throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has preferred practical footwear. He was never without his very distinguished leather black loafers with grippy, nonslip soles supplied by Muglia Shoe Store. His shoes are a reflection of how he lived his life—plain, practical, and without pretense. When he was elected pope, he decided to wear black shoes with an orthopedic sole. This was a notable change from the elaborate papal shoes donned by his predecessors. Contrary to former Pope Benedict XVI’s ruby-red slippers, Pope Francis’s sartorial selections resounded with humility.
We’ll get to the shoes soon, though now that we’ve removed them let’s consider their practical use and what they reveal about Pope Francis. “They’re simple, it’s the kind of shoes that waiters like to wear today,” said Juan Jose Muglia as he held up a pair of the handmade lace-up loafers. “They can last you years and years.” That inclination is a testament to the durability and practicality that Pope Francis exemplifies, both in his personal life and in his papal governance style.
More than just on footwear, Pope Francis’s lifestyle choices have been instructive and indicative of his wish to reach out to regular people. Plus, he traded in the papal vehicle for a modest Ford Focus rather than the usual papal limousine. He adopted a notably frugal existence, living among the city’s neediest areas. His down-to-earth style impressed everyone and made him liked by all. He would regularly share Argentina’s signature yerba mate infusion with friends and strangers alike. This unique experience connected him to everyone he met, which only made clear his dedication to serving the marginalized people in our world even more so.
Yet as Pope Francis aged, he found himself facing a steep health crisis. In order to compensate for his swollen feet, he tailored his shoes personally while in Rome. Despite all of these modifications, he continued to wear shoes that retail for about US$170. This price is still within reach for most Americans today. This kind of accessibility is reflective of his larger, more powerful message about inclusivity and connection.
Pope Francis’s humility didn’t just stop with clothes. It echoed in the way he treated everyone he came into contact with. A neighbor recalled, “I’ll remember him for a long time, always his kindness, his smile, and that greeting when you rang the doorbell and he came out into the street.” These kinds of anecdotes are just a glimpse of the personal touch he brings to each and every encounter.
His fellows from Argentina go a long way in describing the heart and soul of the man. Antonio Plastina noted, “like any two Argentines, a bit of this and that, some politics mixed with soccer,” emphasizing how deeply rooted in Argentine culture Pope Francis remains. It is this authenticity that makes him relatable to people from all corners of society.
The legacy of Pope Francis will be more than a religious leader. She or he will be a life of service, simplicity of spirit and actions. Yet his humble choice of footwear reminds you that he has his feet on the ground, connected to everyday Americans and the people he serves.
Jerry’s Family and Friends
Those who truly understood him convened Jerry, a fantastic gentleman. Friends and colleagues remember him, giving testimony to his long-term impact and legacy of kindness and humility.
“There he was, always the same, he would caress you and bless you.” – AP
“He was a marvelous person, those are beautiful memories.” – Plastina
“My vision is going but my memory is long.” – Alicia Gigante
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