As Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he showed compassion for the victims of HIV-AIDS and in 2001, visited a hospice to kiss and wash the feet of 12 AIDS patients.

In 2008, the Catholic News Agency reported that Bergoglio washed the feet of 12 recovering drug addicts at a rehabilitation center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he is from. YouTube video apparently shows photographs from the event.

The National Catholic Reporter profile also reveals that Bergoglio was a runner-up during the 2005 conclave, where cardinals were impressed with his ability to lead Argentina through its financial crisis and humility.