Pope Francis the Current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His full name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was born on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is also known by the name Francis-I. His parent's name is Mario Jose Bergoglio and Regina Maria sivori.
Pope Francis
Description: Pope Francis Blesses the Faithful in St. Peters s square Rome Italy
He went to technical secondary school and graduated in Chemistry. He worked as a chemist in the food industry for some time. At the age of 19, he started studying at a seminary in Buenos Aires.
In 1957, he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuit). After that, he studied humanities and had a master's in philosophy. He started teaching philosophy in High school and kept studying theology. On 12 March 1960, he took his first oath to become a Jesuit. Later he was appointed Priest in 1969 and finally vow as superior head of Jesuit Province, Argentina in 1973.
When he became head of the Jesuit Province, Argentina, the country was facing a military dictatorship. In 1976-83 during the War by the military coup led by Lieut. Gen, Jorge Rafael Videla against Leftists and insurgents around 30,000 people were captured, abused and killed. Jorge Bergoglio claimed that the military has also camouflaged some authorities, and helped them to leave the country. They also found two priests who were kidnapped and drugged. He was accused of this event and was dismissed. Although later he was set free from these allegations.
Pope Francis teaches at the training school of Priests in 1992 and studied theology in Germany. Later he became the supplementary bishop of Buenos Aires. Later he was appointed preacher of Buenos Aires. He acquired distinction in Argentinian Public for living a simple life and being resident in an urban residence rather than an archbishop’s flat and travelling through public convenience.
In February 2013 after quitting Pope Benedict, he was elected as the Pope of the Roman church. His name was chosen in the glory of St. Francis of Assisi, who served the poor and lived a simple life and was also the founder member of the Jesuits. He was referred to as Pope Francis, but he denied using the ‘I’ Roman numeral after his name.
Pope Francis I among people crowd, Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy - April 04: His Holiness Pope Francis I greets gathered prayers in Rome, Italy, on April 04, 2013
He committed to social justice and working for the poor to improve their lives. Although he is considered conservative by political groups for preventing the abortion of mentally handicapped women, who were raped.
He also worked to improve the dialogue between different religions and persuasion.
He stated he builds a bridge between believers, non-believers, and religious leaders.
Likewise, he always supported the Islamic community of Argentina.
Furthermore, he gave ten tips for living a happy life;
Live and let live
Be giving of yourself to others.
Move calmly.
Have a good sense of Leisure
Give a day to family
Work for peace.
Letting go of negativity
Avoid religious proselytism
Acclaim and protect nature
Be creative
He was criticised for relaxing the rule of celibacy for priests. As he allowed married men to become a priest.
He was once criticised to smack the hand of a devotee, later he apologised for this incident.
The Argentina government criticised him to avoid the abortion of mentally handicapped women, who were raped.
Italian Jesuit magazine also denounces him for involving in the issues like homosexuality, birth control, avoiding the death penalty, and feticide.
He promoted integral ecology and international peace.
Pope Francis played a crucial role in international relations. He is part of over 180 global countries' diplomacy. He is also a spiritual leader of the catholic churches and religious communities. Furthermore, he is the first citizen of global civil society and participated in many international public debates.
Pope Francis is known for his simplicity and modesty. He is admired for embracing poverty and working for the poor. The Muslim community also admired him for supporting them. He is also welcomed for promoting international peace. He is considered a great liberal and progressive reformer.
He is addressed as “His Holiness Pope Francis”.
In March Mayor of La Plata, Argentina names a road after Pope Francis “Papa Francisco”.
He was named fortune's most powerful person in the world in 2014.
In 2014, he was named the fourth most powerful person by Forbes and Fifth in 2016.
He was awarded Best-dressed man by Esquire Magazine in 2013.
Pope Francis wrote several books like Let us Dream: The Path to a Better Future, Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, Happiness in This Life: A Passionate Meditation on Earthly Existence, encyclicals i.e. letters to bishops and other scripts.
Two biographical Films are made on Pope Francis named “Call me Francesco” and “Pope Francis: A Man of His World”.
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church was the first Pope from South America. He is known for his modesty and simplicity, and his urge for international peace. He made various reforms like for celibacy of priests, homosexuality, and belief for non-Catholics.
Q1. Some interesting facts about Pope Francis?
Ans. When he was young he suffered from severe pneumonia, and undergo surgery in which a part of his lung was removed.
He loves reading and has an interest in Football.
He also released a progressive Rock Album named Wake Up.
Q2. Which honour is given to Pope Francis by Vatican City?
Ans. He was honoured with the supreme order of Christ “Order of the Golden Spur Order of St. Gregory” by Vatican City.
Q3. With which award Pope Francis was honoured for his kindness to animals?
Ans. He was awarded the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen 2016 “Person of the Year” by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (2015).
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