FATHER James Kelly, a member of the Jesuit community in Milltown, Dublin, spent three years working alongside the then-Rector Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires.
And today he spoke for the first time of the humble surroundings of the man who has now gone on to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
"He was a real leader back then," said 78-year-old Father Kelly. "He had the complete loyalty of all of those who knew and worked for him. The day always began with prayer because he believed that help for the poor should flow from beginning the day with the Gospels. We worked alongside each other in the fields, growing crops. All our work was for the poor. It was very, very hard work. The food we had was very poor and basic, yet he brought everyone along with him and had the total loyalty of everyone there. He was that sort of person, strong and charismatic. Father Jorge was dedicated to helping the poor; it was his life's work and it will continue to be."
Father Kelly said he hoped to be reunited with the new Pope Francis (78) on Irish soil.
"I hope he comes to Ireland; it would be wonderful to meet him again," said Fr Kelly. "I'm just so delighted he has been made our Pope. He is such a wonderful spiritual man, but at the same time very humble and with strong convictions. He is a remarkable leader and he will be a remarkable leader for the Catholic Church; I have no doubt about that."
The Irish Jesuit Provincial Fr Tom Layden said he was 'moved' when the new Pope appeared on the balcony of Vatican Square this week.
"The Irish Jesuits will pray for him that the Lord will bless him in his ministry of leadership in the Church," said Fr Layden. "Aware of his great love for the poor, and of his own simple lifestyle we hope that all Christians will be motivated to work with greater energy for justice and peace in our divided and broken world."