“He gave me strength to face everyday life.” These are the touching words of Adrian Pallarols, renowned silversmith and long-time friend of Pope Francis, as he paid tribute to the man he calls more than a spiritual father.
Pallarols, affectionately known as “the Pope’s silversmith,” shared deeply personal memories of his nearly three-decade friendship with the Holy Father, during an interview with Vatican News. “He was a priest who used to be by my side, no matter what happened,” he said, recalling how the two bonded over coffee with milk and cookies prepared by nuns.
Their friendship began in 2002 during the restoration of the Buenos Aires Cathedral, blossoming into spiritual companionship and artistic collaboration. In 2005, they designed a chalice gifted to Pope Benedict XVI and later, Pallarols crafted the chalice used at Pope Francis’ 2015 Mass in Madison Square Garden.
But beyond the silver and gold, it was the warmth of Bergoglio’s pastoral heart that left the deepest impression.
“I used to knock on his door and ask for five minutes,” said Pallarols. “He never said no. He would hug me, pray with me and ask about my family. He always made time. Always.”
Pope Francis officiated Adrian’s wedding and baptized his children, Francesca and Matteo. “He healed me,” Pallarols said. “He treated me like a brother, a father, a friend. Through him, God gave me a better life.”
He remembers vividly when Bergoglio, undeterred by bricks and dust, came to bless his workshop before it was even built. “He prayed for a holy beginning,” said Pallarols, his voice tinged with gratitude.
When Pope Francis moved to Rome, his parting words still echo: “Adrian, I’ll stay here in Rome.” But distance did not break their bond. The Pope would call, ending each conversation with: “My son, don’t forget how much I love you.”
Now, as he reflects on the passing of his friend and spiritual guide, Pallarols says, “I have a saint to pray to… someone to intercede for me before God.”
In the silence left behind, love remains — and so does a chalice of memory, filled with faith, friendship, and a legacy of presence.
