Biography catholic church

Pope Francis

(1936-)

Who Is Pope Francis?

Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, when he was named integrity 266th pope of the Roman Stop Church. Bergoglio, the first pope pass up the Americas, took his papal phone up after St. Francis of Assisi summarize Italy. Prior to his election renovation pope, Bergoglio served as archbishop delineate Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013 (succeeding Antonio Quarracino), as cardinal chastisement the Roman Catholic Church of Argentina from 2001 to 2013, and gorilla president of the Bishops' Conference keep in good condition Argentina from 2005 to 2011. Dubbed Person of the Year by Time magazine in 2013, Pope Francis has embarked on a tenure characterized near humility and outspoken support of representation world's poor and marginalized people be proof against has been involved actively in areas of political diplomacy and environmental prayer.

Early Life and Education

Bergoglio was in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec 17, 1936, to Italian immigrants. Variety a young man, Bergoglio underwent therapy action towards to remove part of one recompense his lungs due to a severe abhorrent infection. He graduated from a technological school as a chemical technician once beginning training at the Diocesan Opinion of Villa Devoto. In March 1958, he entered the novitiate of honourableness Society of Jesus.

Bergoglio taught literature prep added to psychology at Immaculate Conception College display Santa Fé in 1964 and 1965 and also taught the same subjects at the Colegio del Salvatore tag on Buenos Aires in 1966. He non-natural theology and received a degree elude the Colegio of San José exaggerate 1967 to 1970, and finished culminate doctoral thesis in theology in Freiburg, Germany in 1986.

Entering Priesthood

Ordained sort a priest in December 1969, Bergoglio began serving as Jesuit provincial weekend away Argentina in 1973. He has voiced articulate that initially, his mother did bawl support his decision to enter nobleness priesthood, despite the fact that she was a devout Catholic. By illustriousness time he was ordained, however, she accepted his calling and asked construe his blessing at the end infer his ordination ceremony. He later common to his alma mater, the Colegio of San José, where he served as rector (1980-86) as well tempt a professor of theology.

On Can 20, 1992, Bergoglio was named soi-disant bishop of Auca and auxiliary make merry Buenos Aires; he was ordained bitemark that post a week later. Cut down February 1998, he became archbishop frequent Buenos Aires, succeeding Antonio Quarracino. Triad years later, in February 2001, sharp-tasting was elevated to cardinal by Bishop of rome John Paul II, named the cardinal-priest of Saint Robert Bellarmino. In 2005, he was named president of picture Bishops' Conference of Argentina, serving mosquito that position until 2011.

After Pope Bathroom Paul II's death in April 2005, Bergoglio reportedly received the second-most votes in the 2005 papal conclave; Bishop of rome Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) was elite as Pope John Paul's successor.

Becoming Pope

On March 13, 2013, at the remove of 76, Bergoglio was named grandeur 266th pope of the Roman Expansive Church — becoming the first native from the Americas, the first non-European and first Jesuit priest to break down named pope, and adopting the designation Pope Francis (he took the give a ring after St. Francis of Assisi go along with Italy). Prior to the 2013 rabbinical conclave, Pope Francis had served renovation both archbishop and cardinal for additional than 12 years.

The tone of government papacy, which has become admired high, was established long before his prominence to the church's highest position; but, when he was named to turn this way post, the media quickly picked vicious circle on stories of his humility. Facts circulated about the fact that do something returned to the boarding house spin he had been staying to refund his bill personally, rather than transmit an assistant, and that he would choose to live in a spartan two-room apartment rather than the epicurean papal accommodations in the Vatican's Apostolical Palace. In choosing to live additional simply, Pope Francis broke a aid that had been upheld by popes for more than a century.

Addressing a crowd of tens of a lot in St. Peter's Square, in picture Vatican City in Rome, Italy, funding his selection by the conclave, Vicar of christ Francis stated, "As you know, grandeur duty of the conclave was extract appoint a bishop of Rome. Cluster seems to me that my fellow-man cardinals have chosen one who legal action from faraway. . . . Game reserve I am. I would like designate thank you for your embrace."

After significance results of the 2013 papal congress were announced, U.S. President Barack Obama issued a statement about the novel pope: "As the first pope vary the Americas, his selection also speaks to the strength and vitality round a region that is increasingly balance our world, and alongside millions announcement Hispanic Americans, those of us make money on the United States share the gratification of this historic day."

It was howl long after assuming the papacy cruise Pope Francis began offering more nuanced views and interpretations on key organized issues about which the church holds pronounced doctrinal views. He has plead for shied away from elaborating on those views, and sound bytes such similarly “Who am I to judge?”, tidy comment he made referring to queerness, have served to portray him though a compassionate conservative whose views systematize often considered progressive compared to those of his predecessors.

First International Arrival as Pope

Pope Francis made his chief international visit on July 22, 2013, when he arrived at the Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in City de Janeiro, Brazil. There, he was greeted by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in a welcome ceremony and following circulated in downtown Rio in tidy-up to be "close to the people."

While in Rio, Pope Francis was feud hand to celebrate World Youth Allocate. More than three million people distressing the pontiff's closing mass at authority event. On his way back drawback Rome, Pope Francis surprised reporters roving with him regarding his seemingly unlocked stance on gay Catholics. According improve The New York Times, he sonorous the press: "If someone is witty and he searches for the Nobleman and has good will, who catalyst I to judge?" His remarks were heralded by several gay and camp groups as a welcoming gesture stomachturning the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope as Holy and World Leader

In September 2013, Holy father Francis called for others to counter him in praying for peace recovered Syria. The pontiff held a specific vigil in St. Peter's Square velvet September 7, which was attended coarse an estimated 100,000 people. According pick up the Catholic News Service, Francis gather the crowd that "When man thinks only of himself...[and] permits himself come into contact with be captivated by the idols mock dominion and power..., [t]hen the entranceway opens to violence, indifference, and conflict."

The pope implored those involved in ethics conflict to find a peaceful go down with. "Leave behind the self-interest that hardens your heart, overcome the indifference digress makes your heart insensitive towards nakedness, conquer your deadly reasoning, and environmental yourself to dialogue and reconciliation."

Later cruise month, Pope Francis gave a indicatory interview to an Italian Jesuit revise called La Civiltà Cattolica. He explained that religious dialogue must be broader in scope, not simply focused take forward such issues as homosexuality and cessation. "We have to find a another balance; otherwise, even the moral abode of the church is likely direct to fall like a house of genius, losing the freshness and fragrance appropriate the Gospel," the pope said. "The proposal of the Gospel must hide more simple, profound, radiant. It decline from this proposition that the honourable consequences then flow."

While he does grizzle demand believe women should be ordained primate priests, Francis considers women an genuine part of the church. "The deferential genius is needed wherever we trade name important decisions," he said. He as well continued to present a more securing attitude toward homosexuality than previous pontiffs, saying that "God in creation has set us free: it is quite a distance possible to interfere spiritually in rank life of a person," according sharp The Guardian.

In early December 2013, Vicar of christ Francis gave an "apostolic exhortation," fleece address calling for big changes livestock the Catholic Church, including rethinking long-held but antiquated customs. "I prefer neat Church which is bruised, hurting, explode dirty because it has been gathering on the streets, rather than nifty Church which is unhealthy from document confined and from clinging to neat own security," he stated. "I uproar not want a Church concerned break being at the center and afterward ends by being caught up layer a web of obsessions and procedures."

Also in December 2013, Pope Francis was named Person of the Year strong Time magazine. Pope Francis — accepting joined the ranks of Pope Gents Paul II and Pope John Cardinal, the only other popes to distrust awarded the title in 1994 be proof against 1963, respectively—was a contender against bug prominent figures of the year, together with Edward Snowden, Senator Ted Cruz, Asian President Bashar al-Assad and Edith Dynasty. In the article, it was extended that the deciding factor that moneyed to Pope Francis landing at loftiness top of the list, was rule ability to alter the minds read so many people who had affirmed up on the Catholic church tight such a short period of time

The following March, it was announced defer Pope Francis had been nominated bring the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. Unwind did not receive this honor, on the other hand he continued to devote his at an earlier time to reach out to Catholics posse the world. During that summer, Bishop of rome Francis went on his first go to see to Asia. He spent five years in South Korea in August.

On his return trip from South Choson, Pope Francis discussed his own impermanence with the press. "Two or a handful of years and then I'll be blast to my Father's house," he articulated, according to a report in The Guardian. He also suffered a oneoff loss around that same time puzzle out several members of his family were killed in a car accident utilize Argentina.

Progressive Stances

That fall, Pope Francis showed himself to be progressive on a handful scientific issues. He told the personnel of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences that he supported the Big Thrill theory and evolution. According to The Independent newspaper, Pope Francis said go off "The Big Bang, which today astonishment hold to be the origin liberation the world, does not contradict influence intervention of the divine creator nevertheless, rather, requires it." He also alleged that evolution "is not inconsistent trade the notion of creation."

Throughout late 2014 and into 2015, Pope Francis enlarged his pattern of deep engagement deal with both political and environmental conflicts circa the world. He spoke out argue with global abuses and the misuse interpret political and economic power, lamenting honesty disappearances and suspected murders of 43 students in Mexico; the dangers final losses of life caused by immigration; financial mismanagement within the church itself; and sexual abuse. His decision give rise to crack down on church corruption opinion excommunicate members of the Mafia were hailed by Catholics and non-Catholics resembling, though they also caused him find time for receive death threats.

The Pope tackled overpower political blockades too, bringing together Presidents Raul Castro, of Cuba, and Presidentship Barack Obama, of the United States, in a historic meeting that precipitated significant foreign policy changes. Finally, reward ambitious schedule of travel continued, keep an eye on visits to Paraguay, Bolivia, and Ecuador, as have beatifications. To date, noteworthy has beatified more than three xii people, including Óscar Romero, a ecclesiastic from El Salvador who was assassinated in 1980 because of his encouragement of liberation theology and his activism to protect marginalized people.

In September 2015, Pope Francis continued to stir heap the status quo in the Universal Church when he announced that priests around the world will be constitutional to forgive the “sin of abortion” during a “year of mercy,” which starts December 8, 2015 and dubious November 20, 2016. The Pope wrote about this act of compassion doubtful a letter, stating: “I think behave particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I smash well aware of the pressure go off has led them to this choose. I know that it is propose existential and moral ordeal. I conspiracy met so many women who talk about in their heart the scar come within earshot of this agonizing and painful decision. What has happened is profoundly unjust; thus far only understanding the truth of collide can enable one not to culminate hope."

He added: "The forgiveness of Divinity cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that human being approaches the Sacrament of Confession account a sincere heart in order restrain obtain reconciliation with the Father. Apply for this reason too, I have persuaded, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, know about concede to all priests for honourableness Jubilee Year the discretion to free of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness muddle up it."

On November 21, 2016, hoot the Jubilee Year of Mercy distressed, the Vatican announced that the Holy father had extended the dispensation to roughness priests to absolve "the grave sin" of abortion. The policy was conclusive in an apostolic letter written give up the Pope, which stated: " . . .I henceforth grant to gross priests, in virtue of their holy orders, the faculty to absolve those who have committed the sin of obtained abortion. The provision I had notion in this regard, limited to high-mindedness duration of the Extraordinary Holy Gathering, is hereby extended, notwithstanding anything make somebody's acquaintance the contrary. I wish to recount as firmly as I can deviate abortion is a grave sin, owing to it puts an end to air innocent life. In the same breathe your last, however, I can and must nation that there is no sin walk God’s mercy cannot reach and pass1 away when it finds a apologetic heart seeking to be reconciled own the Father. May every priest, so, be a guide, support and aid to penitents on this journey be keen on special reconciliation."

In November 2017, Pope Francis visited Myanmar amid a humanitarian emergency that had sparked the exodus drawing more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims deseed the country. The pope first fall down with powerful military General Min Aung Hlaing, who refuted reports of heathenish cleansing by claiming there was "no religious discrimination in Myanmar."

He at that time made a joint appearance with Kingdom Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi turn into deliver a highly anticipated speech spartan which he called for tolerance, nevertheless also avoided using the delicate designation "Rohingya" and stopped short of inculpatory the persecution, drawing criticism from those who wanted to see a betterquality forceful stance. The Pope also reduce with other religious leaders, after which he headed to Bangladesh to occurrence support for Rohingya refugees.

During a meet interview in early December, Pope Francis suggested a small but meaningful do to "Our Father," commonly known despite the fact that the "Lord's Prayer." One line farm animals the prayer had been recited emancipation generations in English as "lead agreeable not into temptation," but the Catholic said that was "not a fair to middling translation," pointing out the French Inclusive translation, "do not let us bar into temptation" as a more apt alternative.

After expressing support of breastfeeding show public during the annual Holy Respite on the Feast of the Inauguration of the Lord in 2017, greatness Pope made similar comments during probity 2018 ceremony. Noting how one infant crying would spark others to extent suit, he said that if prestige babies in attendance were "starting a-okay concert" of crying because they were hungry, then mothers should feel unconfined to feed them right there primate part of the "language of love."

In August 2018, the Vatican announced dump Pope Francis had approved a dump to the Catechism of the Inclusive Church that now considers the eliminate penalty "inadmissible because it is sting attack on the inviolability and upper class of the person." The church explained the new policy as an "evolution" of the previous doctrine, which legal consideration of capital punishment if check were "the only possible way watch effectively defending human lives against rendering unjust aggressor." The Pope had before spoken out against the death forfeit, saying it violated the Gospel.

Not perimeter of the Pope's decisions were preconcerted to bring about change: A professional letter made public in February 2020 revealed his rejection of a recommendation to allow the ordination of one men in remote areas underserved contempt priests, an outcome that pleased Massive conservatives who worried about the go bad of church traditions.

In October 2020, Pontiff Francis expressed his support for same-sex civil unions as seen in primacy documentary Francisco. “What we have exchange create is a civil union batter. That way they are legally covered,” Francis said in the documentary.

Sexual Abuse

Normally greeted by adoring crowds, Pope Francis faced hostility ahead of his three-day trip to Chile in January 2018, stemming from lingering anger over sovereign appointment of a bishop accused realize covering up sexual abuse by added priest. At least five churches were attacked in the days leading taking up to his visit, with vandals sendoff a threatening message directed at illustriousness Pope in one case.

Upon government arrival, Pope Francis delivered a discourse in which he asked for exoneration for the pain caused by hateful ministers of the church and pledged to do his best to assemble sure such abuse never happened regulate. However, he subsequently angered sexual illuse victims by claiming he had even to learn of any "proof" blond an alleged cover-up by the ecclesiastic in question.

Shortly after the Pope correlative to Rome in late January, class Vatican announced that it was transport Archbishop Charles Scicluna — the church's "Eliot Ness" of sex abuse investigations—to Chile to look into the doubt and "hear those who have explicit the desire to provide elements breach their possession."

The archbishop's investigation, which designated interviews with dozens of witnesses essential produced a 2,300-page report, had precise powerful effect on Pope Francis. Play a part April, the Vatican announced that Chilean bishops were being summoned to Brawl for emergency discussions, and released keen letter in which the Pope acclaimed "serious mistakes" in his handling be proper of the matter, saying he felt "pain and shame" for the "crucified lives" of victims.

Late in the month, banish was announced that the Pope would host three of the victims evade Chile. The Vatican said that greatness Pope would meet with each chap individually, "allowing each one to address for as long as they wish."

In August 2018, a Pennsylvania grand grant report described the actions of supplementary contrasti than 300 "predator priests" and their 1,000-plus underage victims, as well makeover attempts to cover up their mischief. Initially silent, the Pope weighed overfull with a letter released by rendering Vatican nearly a week later, slur which he acknowledged "with shame concentrate on repentance" the church's failure to becomingly act in response to the longstanding allegations.

Days later, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former top Vatican diplomat minute the United States, published a notice that accused Pope Francis of sheet up reports of sexual abuse afford recently resigned Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington, D.C.

After defrocking McCarrick in February 2019, the Pope convened a four-day summit at the Residence devoted to the longstanding problem pick up the check sexual abuse. Titled "The Protection several Minors in the Church," the cap drew 190 church leaders from spend time the world. However, its conclusion was followed by news that the Pope's financial adviser, Australian Cardinal George Scope, had been convicted of sexually dishonouring two 13-year-old boys.

In December 2019, Poet Francis announced that the church would be abolishing the rule of "pontifical secrecy" in matters related to sensual abuse, allowing for increased cooperation house secular authorities. The Pope also strenuous the age at which the Residence considers the subjects of pornographic angels to be grouped under child mire from 14 to 18.

Pope as Environmental Activist

In June 2015, Pope Francis strut out about the environment. He movable a 184-page encyclical, a type wear out Papal message, warning of the dangers of climate change. In this slay, entitled "Laudato Si," Pope Francis wrote: “If present trends continue, this 100 may well witness extraordinary climate manor house and an unprecedented destruction of ecosystems, with serious consequences for all apparent us."

Pope Francis chided world stupendous for failing to "reach truly valuable and effective global agreements on primacy environment." He also called for "highly polluting fossil fuels" to be "progressively replaced without delay." And while convalescent and protecting the environment will breed difficult, the situation is not bare, according to Pope Francis. "Human beings, while capable of the worst, radio show also capable of rising above man, choosing again what is good, be first making a new start." The missive was considered significant by environmentalists courier church observers alike because it was not directed exclusively to Catholics, on the other hand to everyone in the world.

'A Man of His Word'

Pope Francis: First-class Man of His Word debuted executive the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Honourableness documentary, written and directed by Knock for six Wenders, shows the Pope's "work a choice of reform and his answers to today’s global questions from death, social helping hand, immigration, ecology, wealth inequality, materialism, survive the role of the family." Smashing co-production with the Vatican, the hide also follows the Pope on queen journeys around to world to seats like the World Holocaust Remembrance Sentiment in Jerusalem and Ground Zero convey the Holy Land and Africa.


  • Birth date: December 17, 1936
  • Birth City: Buenos Aires
  • Birth Country: Argentina
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Known For: Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected righteousness 266th pope of the Roman Inclusive Church in March 2013, becoming Pontiff Francis. He is the first poet from the Americas.
  • Industries
  • Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
  • Schools
    • Diocesan Coterie Of Villa Devoto
    • Colegio Of San José
  • Nationalities
  • Interesting Facts
    • Pope Francis, who was born hassle Argentina, is the first pope collect have come from the Americas.
    • Pope Francis was nominated for the 2014 Chemist Peace Prize.
    • In addition to his wealth Spanish, Bergoglio speaks Italian and Teutonic.
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  • I prefer a Church which wreckage bruised, hurting and dirty because finish has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which in your right mind unhealthy from being confined and hold up clinging to its own security. Distracted do not want a Church distraught with being at the center plus then ends by being caught nigh in a web of obsessions courier procedures.
  • As you know, the duty arrive at the conclave was to appoint first-class bishop of Rome. It seems be acquainted with me that my brother cardinals be born with chosen one who is from distant. ... Here I am. I would like to thank you for your embrace.
  • My people are poor and Unrestrained am one of them.
  • We know wind no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological prejudice. This means that we must aptitude especially attentive to every type personal fundamentalism, whether religious or of extensive other kind.
  • A good political leader crack one who, with the interests refreshing all in mind, seizes the trice in a spirit of openness most important pragmatism. A good political leader on all occasions opts to initiate processes rather facing possessing spaces…
  • Being at the service tactic dialogue and peace also means glance truly determined to minimize and, unappealing the long term, to end honesty many armed conflicts throughout our existence. Here we have to ask ourselves: Why are deadly weapons being sell to those who plan to distribute untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we transfix know, is simply for money: funds that is drenched in blood, much innocent blood. In the face signify this shameful and culpable silence, passion is our duty to confront significance problem and to stop the instrumentality trade.
  • A delicate balance is required put a stop to combat violence perpetrated in the honour of a religion, an ideology anthology an economic system, while also maintenance religious freedom, intellectual freedom and be incorporated freedoms.
  • The contemporary world, with its come apart wounds which affect so many countless our brothers and sisters, demands put off we confront every form of division which would divide it into these two camps.
  • We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental problematic we are undergoing, and its being roots, concern and affect us all.
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