Pope Francis’ Favorite Foods Were a Taste of Argentina and Italy

As tributes pour in following the passing of Pope Francis at age 88, many remember him as a humble, people-focused pontiff.

But beyond his historic role as the first Argentinian pope, he also carried with him a deep love for the simple flavors of his Argentine upbringing and Italian heritage.

His favorite dishes were not extravagant, but rich in memory, tradition, and warmth—reflections of a man who, even as head of the Catholic Church, longed for the everyday joys of food shared with family.

Childhood Favorites from Argentina

Growing up in Flores, a working-class neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—was, as he once joked, “a good Argentinian who never said no to an empanada.”

In The Vatican Cookbook, Argentine empanadas are described as parcels of puff pastry, often filled with ground sirloin or chorizo.

Whether filled with meat, ham and cheese, or vegetables, these hand pies were a staple in the pope’s youth and a favorite he carried into adulthood.

He also had a fondness for dulce de leche-filled alfajores—sweet sandwich cookies that reminded him of his grandmother, Rosa, and his mother, Regina María.

Italian Dishes Close to His Heart

Though born in Argentina, Pope Francis’ roots stretched deeply into Italy, his parents’ homeland.

Among his favorite Italian dishes was bagna càuda, a traditional dish from Piedmont made with olive oil, butter, anchovies, and garlic, served warm for dipping vegetables or bread.

“It’s a symbol of convivial ritual,” wrote biographer Roberto Alborghetti. “Conversation moves around the table — the stories and gestures of the diners come to life.”

And of course, there was pizza.

Despite his global status, Pope Francis remained grounded in the comforts of everyday food.

He once told The Vatican Cookbook contributors, “If I had only one wish… it would be to go out, without being recognized, and go to a pizzeria for a pizza.”