El Papa Francisco - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Birth and Early Life: Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was one of five children born to Italian immigrants.
- 2. Jesuit Priest: Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He served as a Jesuit provincial in Argentina and later became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
- 3. Humble Lifestyle: Pope Francis is known for his humble lifestyle and for his focus on serving the poor and marginalized. He chose to live in a simple apartment rather than the papal residence and often rides public transportation.
- 4. First Pope from the Americas: Pope Francis made history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope when he was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
- 5. Papal Name: When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope, he chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a beloved saint known for his devotion to the poor and his love of nature.
- 6. Emphasis on Mercy and Compassion: Pope Francis has focused his papacy on promoting mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. He has spoken out against capitalism, consumerism, and the exploitation of the poor.
- 7. Environmental Advocacy: Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for environmental protection and has called for urgent action to address climate change. In 2015, he released an encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si', which called for a global response to environmental challenges.
- 8. Interfaith Dialogue: Pope Francis has worked to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation, reaching out to leaders of other Christian denominations, as well as leaders of other religions, including Islam and Judaism.
- 9. Reforms in the Vatican: Pope Francis has implemented reforms in the Vatican to promote transparency, accountability, and financial integrity. He has also cracked down on corruption and financial mismanagement within the Vatican.
- 10. Popularity and Criticism: Pope Francis has been widely popular among Catholics and non-Catholics alike for his humility, compassion, and progressive views. However, he has also faced criticism from some conservatives within the Catholic Church for his liberal stance on social issues.