Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has captivated the world with his humility, simplicity, and deep concern for the poor and marginalized. As the first Latin American Pope, he has brought a unique perspective to the papacy, emphasizing social justice, mercy, and inclusivity in the Roman Catholic Church. His papal motto, Miserando atque eligendo (“By having mercy, by choosing him”), reflects his focus on compassion.
Early Life and Priesthood
Born to Italian immigrants, Pope Francis initially trained as a chemical technician but soon felt called to the priesthood. In 1958, he entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), and over the years, he earned degrees in humanities, philosophy, and theology. He taught literature and psychology at colleges in Argentina before being ordained a priest in 1969. As a Jesuit, he was deeply influenced by their focus on education, service, and social justice.
Archbishop and Cardinal
In 1998, Bergoglio became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he was known for his pastoral care, visiting the city’s shantytowns and advocating for the poor. In 2001, he was elevated to Cardinal but famously asked his followers not to travel to Rome to celebrate, requesting they donate to the poor instead.
Election as Pope
On March 13, 2013, after five rounds of voting, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Supreme Pontiff, becoming Pope Francis. He was the first non-European Pope in over a millennium, symbolizing a shift in the Church’s focus toward the Global South. Upon his election, Francis chose to live in the simpler Vatican guesthouse, forgoing the traditional papal residence.
His Teachings and Writings
Pope Francis has written several significant documents that address contemporary global challenges:
- Lumen Fidei (2013): His first encyclical, focusing on the importance of faith in modern society.
- Evangelii Gaudium (2013): This Apostolic Exhortation highlights the Church’s mission to be open, welcoming, and merciful, urging Catholics to reach out to those who are marginalized.
- Laudato si’ (2015): One of his most well-known encyclicals, it addresses environmental degradation, calling for global action on climate change and caring for “our common home.”
- Amoris Laetitia (2016): This document affirms traditional family values but also calls for greater understanding and compassion toward those in irregular situations, like divorced or unmarried couples.
- Fratelli Tutti (2020): Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, this encyclical promotes fraternity, social friendship, and a universal call for peace and solidarity across cultures and religions.
Advocacy for the Marginalized
Pope Francis has consistently advocated for the poor, immigrants, and those marginalized by society. His first papal trip was to Lampedusa in 2013, where he prayed for migrants who had perished trying to reach Europe. Throughout his pontificate, he has called attention to the plight of refugees, the homeless, and victims of war and oppression.
Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue
Pope Francis has made significant strides in interfaith and ecumenical relations. Notably, in 2019, he co-authored a document on human fraternity with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyib, fostering cooperation between Christians and Muslims. He has also met with leaders of Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Jewish faiths, emphasizing dialogue and mutual respect.
Global Visits
Pope Francis has traveled to many countries to promote peace, dialogue, and justice:
- Middle East: In 2014, he visited Jordan and the Holy Land, calling for peace and unity in the region.
- Asia: He has visited the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, and was the first Pope to visit Mongolia in 2023.
- Africa: In 2023, he traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, accompanied by Christian leaders to advocate for peace.
- Iraq: In 2021, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Iraq, where he met with the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, marking the first papal visit to the country.
Pope Francis continues to lead the Church with a focus on mercy, justice, and a call for unity among all people, regardless of faith or background. His papacy reflects a commitment to reform, humility, and the promotion of human dignity across the globe.
