Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina) is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, elected on March 13, 2013. He is the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.
Early Life and Career
Before becoming pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was a chemist by training and later joined the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), taking his final vows in 1973. He was ordained as a priest in 1969 and became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Known for his humility, simple lifestyle, and dedication to the poor, Bergoglio often chose public transportation over chauffeured cars and lived in a modest apartment rather than the traditional archbishop’s palace.
Papacy
Taking the papal name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a figure known for his love of nature and care for the marginalized, Pope Francis has emphasized themes of mercy, compassion, and social justice. He has spoken out on a wide range of issues including:
• Poverty and inequality: Advocating for a “Church of the poor,” he has frequently highlighted the plight of the marginalized and economically disadvantaged.
• Climate change and the environment: In 2015, he released the encyclical Laudato Si’, urging global action to care for “our common home.”
• Interfaith dialogue and peace: He has made historic visits to countries with significant Muslim populations and has worked to build bridges between faiths.
• Church reform: Francis has taken steps to address corruption within the Vatican and has called for more transparency, particularly concerning financial matters and the Church’s handling of abuse cases.
• Inclusion and tolerance: He has adopted a more pastoral tone toward divorced Catholics, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who have often felt alienated from the Church.
Style and Impact
Pope Francis is widely recognized for his approachable and down-to-earth demeanor. He often deviates from prepared speeches to speak directly to people’s hearts, and he uses social media—particularly Twitter (@Pontifex)—to reach a global audience. His papacy has sparked renewed engagement with the Church for many, while also drawing criticism from more conservative factions who view his reforms as too progressive.
Despite internal tensions, Pope Francis remains a globally respected moral voice, advocating for peace, human dignity, and care for the Earth. His leadership continues to shape the future of the Catholic Church in the 21st century.
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(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
