Papa Francesco
Pope Francis
- Birth Name: Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- Born: December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Nationality: Argentine
- Papacy: March 13, 2013 – present
Early Life and Education
Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. He is the eldest of five children born to Mario Bergoglio, an accountant, and Regina Sivori, a homemaker. He attended the Wilfrid Barón de los Santos Ángeles School and the Colegio del Salvador, both Jesuit schools in Buenos Aires. After graduating from high school, he entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) on March 11, 1958. He studied philosophy and theology at the Colegio Máximo de San José in San Miguel, Argentina, and was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969.
Priesthood and Episcopal Ministry
After his ordination, Father Bergoglio served as a parish priest, professor, and rector at various Jesuit institutions in Argentina. In 1973, he was appointed provincial superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, a position he held for six years. In 1992, he was consecrated as auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 1998, he became coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires. He succeeded Cardinal Antonio Quarracino as archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
Papacy
Pope Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who had resigned on February 28, 2013. He is the first pope from the Americas, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first Jesuit pope.
Views and Teachings
Pope Francis is known for his emphasis on mercy, compassion, and social justice. He has spoken out against poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. He has also been a vocal critic of the death penalty and has called for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Pope Francis is also known for his innovative approach to the papacy. He has made an effort to reach out to people on the margins of society, including the poor, the sick, and the disabled. He has also been more open to dialogue with other religions and with people of different viewpoints.
Impact and Legacy
Pope Francis has had a significant impact on the Catholic Church and the world. He has been praised for his humility, his compassion, and his commitment to social justice. He has also been credited with revitalizing the Catholic Church and making it more relevant to the modern world.
Pope Francis is a complex and controversial figure, but he is also one of the most influential religious leaders of our time. He is a man of great faith and conviction, and he is committed to using his position to make the world a better place.
