The last time Fr Edward Mercieca saw the newly elected Pope was some 47 odd years ago when they were playing football as young men in Argentina.

The 73-year-old priest, who spent the last 40 years in Chile and only returned to Malta four months ago, studied and lived at the same Jesuit seminary in Buenos Aires as Jorge Mario Bergoglio – now Pope Francis – from 1963 until 1966.

“Both of us were Jesuits. I was studying for a licentiate in philosophy and Jorge Mario was studying theology so we weren’t class mates. But we crossed paths often – we used to eat in the same cafeteria and play football together.”

What are Fr Edward’s recollections of the new pontiff?

“I remember that he was very good at cracking jokes. He had a very strong personality – he always spoke his mind. To my mind, he spoke very much like the Maltese, in a loud, animated voice. It’s very different from the way Chileans speak, which is very quiet. I still quite can’t get used to the Maltese loud voices,” the soft-spoken priest chuckled.

He also cited Bergoglio’s generosity and willingness to help those in need, as well as describing him as “a quick thinker and able to take decisions quickly”.

Does he think that Pope Francis possesses the necessary characteristics to be the Pope the world needs in these times?

“It’s a very good question but also difficult to answer. I feel that yes, he is, as he’s a very perceptive person and able to notice what’s happening around him.”

“He knows what’s central to the Church – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church should have a holy life – it should act holy and it should also look holy. It should live what it preaches.

“I think Jorge is very good in this – he knows how to bring Jesus to others.”

The new Pope, he said, might have chosen the name Francis to evoke a style of humility and of simplicity. Bergoglio was always very sensitive to the poor and unprivileged.

And at 76, does Pope Francis have the necessary energy to take up this important mission?

Fr Edward admits that the Pontiff is no longer young but adds that at present he seems strong.

“For how many years he’ll remain strong and healthy, I don’t know. But in today’s fast-moving world, seven years in such a position isn’t a short period of time.

“Changes happen so quickly that you need to have the great and rare ability oflistening, of reacting and of making quick but wise decisions.

“And I believe Jorge Mario has all these abilities.”

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