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What is Pope Francis most known for?
He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969, and from 1973 to 1979 was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina.
What's so special about the Pope?
The pope is considered one of the world's most powerful people due to the extensive diplomatic, cultural, and spiritual influence of his position on both 1.3 billion Catholics and those outside the Catholic faith, and because he heads the world's largest non-government provider of education and health care, with a vast ...
What are 3 facts about Pope Francis?
20 Facts You Should Know About Pope FrancisHe's from Buenos Aires, making him the first pope from Latin America.That also makes him the first pope born outside of Europe in more than 1,000 years.He's the first Jesuit pope.He is 76.He chose the name Francis in honor of St.More items...•
What are some of Pope Francis accomplishments?
The first Latin American pope and the first from the Americas. The first non-European pope in more than 1,000 years. Reportedly received the second most votes in the 2005 papal election. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio took the bus to work and cooked his own meals.
What has Pope Francis done for the world?
Pope Francis has Continued to Donate Around the World Throughout the pandemic, the Pope continued his charity work for healthcare workers and affected families. During his trip to Iraq, Francis donated $250,000 to families in Baghdad.
Does the pope get paid?
The pope will not be affected by the cuts, because he does not receive a salary. “As an absolute monarch, he has everything at his disposal and nothing at his disposal,” Mr. Muolo said. “He doesn't need an income, because he has everything that he needs.”
What are 5 facts about Pope Francis?
13 Interesting Things You Didn't Know About Pope Francis1 He is the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic church. ... 2 He has a background in chemistry. ... 3 He once taught literature and psychology. ... 4 He nearly became pope in 2005. ... 5 He can be pretty stealthy. ... 6 He turned down the fancy apartment.More items...•
Why does the pope only have one lung?
Vatican officials now say that the new Pope Francis lost just part of a lung to disease as a young man, and that the injury has never affected his work. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires had a pulmonary illness some 40 years ago during which part of one lung was removed, according to Fr.
Who is the Pope's wife?
However, the rule books when you become Pope are a little stricter. You have to learn multiple languages, attend confession, meet with heads of state, lead mass services, and remain celibate. This means the simple answer to this article's question is no, Popes do not marry.
What has Pope Francis done for peace?
He called for peace and reconciliation for the peoples of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Libya. Francis spoke plaintively about Yemen, “which suffers from a conflict forgotten by all, with continuous victims.” He expressed hope that a recent truce would restore hope to that country's people.
Who is the richest pope?
He proceeded to serve in the Curia under the next four popes, acquiring significant influence and wealth in the process....Pope Alexander VIBuriedSanta Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli, RomeNationalityAragonese - SpanishDenominationCatholic (Roman Rite)ParentsJofré de Borja y Escrivà Isabel de Borja18 more rows
Why is Pope Francis important to the Church?
He is responsible for unifying Catholicism's voice and centralizing its doctrine. The Pope is also the head of Vatican City, which is the world's smallest independent city-state. It's the Pope's job to appoint bishops.
What powers does the Pope have?
Unlike any other religious leader, the pope can send and receive ambassadors and sign international treaties. The nuncios, who are usually also archbishops, represent the pope to more than 180 countries and organisations.
What qualities does a pope have?
We look at popes as just religious leaders. Francis embodies a much wider range of leadership skills than previous popes. He has the ability to understand people, to build coalitions, to communicate a compelling vision. For me, his skill is getting people to transcend where they are, to a larger sense of purpose.”
Who Is Pope Francis?
Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, when he was named the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Bergoglio, the first pope from the Americas, took his papal title after St. Francis of Assisi of Italy. Prior to his election as pope, Bergoglio served as archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013 (succeeding Antonio Quarracino), as cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church of Argentina from 2001 to 2013, and as president of the Bishops' Conference of Argentina from 2005 to 2011. Named Person of the Year by Time magazine in 2013, Pope Francis has embarked on a tenure characterized by humility and outspoken support of the world's poor and marginalized people and has been involved actively in areas of political diplomacy and environmental advocacy.
When was Pope Francis named Pope?
On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, Bergoglio was named the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church — becoming the first citizen from the Americas, the first non-European and first Jesuit priest to be named pope, and adopting the name Pope Francis (he took the title after St. Francis of Assisi of Italy). Prior to the 2013 papal conclave, Pope ...
Why did Pope Francis visit Bangladesh?
The Pope also met with other religious leaders, after which he headed to Bangladesh to show support for Rohingya refugees. During a television interview in early December, Pope Francis suggested a small but meaningful change to "Our Father," commonly known as the "Lord's Prayer.".
What was Pope Francis's duty after the conclave?
Peter's Square, in the Vatican City in Rome, Italy, after his selection by the conclave, Pope Francis stated, "As you know, the duty of the conclave was to appoint a bishop of Rome. It seems to me that my brother cardinals have chosen one who is from faraway. . . .
Why did Pope Francis have hostility?
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 his appointment of a bishop accused of covering up sexual abuse by another priest. At least five churches were attacked in the days leading up to his visit, with vandals leaving a threatening message directed at the Pope in one case.
How many people attended Pope Francis's closing mass?
While in Rio, Pope Francis was on hand to celebrate World Youth Day. More than three million people attended the pontiff's closing mass at the event. On his way back to Rome, Pope Francis surprised reporters traveling with him regarding his seemingly open stance on gay Catholics.
How many people has the Pope beatified?
To date, he has beatified more than three dozen people, including Óscar Romero, a priest from El Salvador who was assassinated in 1980 because of his espousal of liberation theology and his activism to protect marginalized people.
Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis ( Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first pope to be a member of the Society of Jesus, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, ...
Why did Pope Francis choose the name "Saint Francis"?
At his first audience on 16 March 2013, Francis told journalists that he had chosen the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, and had done so because he was especially concerned for the well-being of the poor. He explained that, as it was becoming clear during the conclave voting that he would be elected the new bishop of Rome, the Brazilian Cardinal Cláudio Hummes had embraced him and whispered, "Don't forget the poor", which had made Bergoglio think of the saint. Bergoglio had previously expressed his admiration for St. Francis, explaining that "He brought to Christianity an idea of poverty against the luxury, pride, vanity of the civil and ecclesiastical powers of the time. He changed history."
What was the Vatican Bank?
In the first months of Francis's papacy, the Institute for the Works of Religion , informally known as the Vatican Bank, said that it would become more transparent in its financial dealings There had long been allegations of corruption and money laundering connected with the bank. Francis appointed a commission to advise him about reform of the Bank, and the finance consulting firm Promontory Financial Group was assigned to carry out a comprehensive investigation of all customer contacts of the bank on these facts. Because of this affair the Promoter of Justice at the Vatican Tribunal applied a letter rogatory for the first time in the history of the Republic of Italy at the beginning of August 2013. In January 2014, Francis replaced four of the five cardinal overseers of the Vatican Bank, who had been confirmed in their positions in the final days of Benedict XVI's papacy. Lay experts and clerics were looking into how the bank was run. Ernst von Freyberg was put in charge. Moneyval feels more reform is needed, and Francis may be willing to close the bank if the reforms prove too difficult. There is uncertainty how far reforms can succeed.
How many cardinals were created by Pope Francis?
Consistories. Main article: Cardinals created by Francis. At the first consistory of his papacy, held on 22 February 2014, Francis created 19 new cardinals. At the time of their elevation to that rank, 16 of these new cardinals were under eighty years of age and thus eligible to vote in a papal conclave.
What language does Pope Francis speak?
In addition to his native Spanish, Francis is also conversant in Latin (the official language of the Holy See), he speaks fluent Italian (the official language of Vatican City and the "everyday language" of the Holy See), German, French, Portuguese, English, and he understands the Piedmontese language and some Genoese.
How many saints did Pope Francis canonize?
The pope canonized the two child visionaries Francisco and Jacinta Marto during his visit to Fátima in mid-2017 and canonized 35 additional saints on 15 October. Francis recognized seven saints on 14 October 2018, chief among them, his predecessor Pope Paul VI and Óscar Romero.
What does the gold star on the coat of arms of Pope Francis represent?
Coat of arms of Pope Francis. As cardinal. As pope. The gold star represents the Virgin Mary, the grape-like plant—the spikenard —is associated with Saint Joseph and the IHS is the symbol of the Jesuits.
Why is Pope Francis so popular?
Francis has gained a reputation for being relatable, approachable, and down-to-earth. Some have called Francis "The People's Pope," and the "Pope of the 99 percent." Time named him their Person of the Year in 2013, as did LGBT-interest magazine The Advocate. "In a matter of months," read the Time profile, "Francis has elevated the healing mission of the church — the church as servant and comforter of hurting people in an often harsh world — above the doctrinal police work so important to his recent predecessors."
Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis is the 266th Bishop of Rome. Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, to replace Benedict XVI, who resigned from office two weeks earlier. Themes that have come to define Francis' papacy include poverty, mercy, and joy.
What exactly does the Pope do?
He is responsible for unifying Catholicism's voice and centralizing its doctrine. The Pope is also the head of Vatican City, which is the world's smallest independent city-state.
Where did the name "Francis" come from?
Since 533, it's been customary for each newly appointed pope to choose his own papal name. The pope's name carries a great deal of significance since it signifies the kind of pope he will be, and what kinds of passions, interests, theologies, etc. will come to define his reign.
What is Francis' attitude toward women?
Francis told America Magazine in August 2013 that he thinks it's "necessary to broaden the opportunities for a stronger presence of women in the church." This echoes his earlier comment on the necessity of creating a more "profound theology of womanhood." Francis has also said that that Jesus' mother Mary is "more important than the apostles," though he notes further theological discourse is needed to explain this. He also said, "The Church is feminine: she is Church, she is Bride, she is Mother."
What are Francis' views on the environment?
Since his appointment as Pope, Francis has "frequently shown concern for the environment," according to the National Catholic Register. His choice of "Francis" for his papal name might signify his interests in environmentalism, as St. Francis — the patron saint of animals and ecology — is remembered for preaching to birds and caring for nature.
Has Francis made any doctrinal changes to Catholicism?
As Francis has made clear, he considers himself a "son of the Church." That means that, although he continues to soften the papal tone established by his predecessor, he has no plans to change any doctrine where " the teaching of the church ... is clear ."
How old is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis is 84 years old. He was born on December 17, 1936. He was born in Bueno Aires, Argentina. He first became a priest in 1969 but did not become Pope until 2013. No other Pope in Catholic history has had the name Francis, and he is also the first Jesuit to be elected as Pope.
What is Pope Francis's birth name?
Pope Francis' birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar. The Pope is perhaps one of the most well-known figures in the world, and as the leader of the Catholic Church, he is the epitome of goodness and holiness.
Why did Pope Francis choose the name Francis?
He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar born in 12 th century Italy. In his pre-priest days, Pope Francis used to enjoy dancing the tango with his then-girlfriend. While some may think he studied Theology, Pope Francis actually studied for a Master’s Degree in Chemistry and used to teach ...
Why was Pope Francis named Pope of the Year?
He was chosen for this title because of the influence that he had already had in the short space of time as a leader. Pope Francis has been given many extravagant gifts over the years, and one of them was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
What was Pope Francis' motorcycle?
Pope Francis has been given many extravagant gifts over the years, and one of them was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. However, rather than keeping it for his own pleasure and adventures, he sold it off and used the money to benefit homeless people. What a saint!
What languages does the Pope speak?
The papal leader speaks fluent Spanish, Italian and Latin, and doesn’t struggle too much with English, German, Ukrainian, French and Portuguese either. A man of many talents (or should we say languages?)!
Where did Pope Francis live?
Rather than bask in his new-found fame as the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis decided to live in a small guest house in the Vatican, rather than the traditional apartments in which previous leaders resided.
Who is Pope Francis?
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the man who is now known as Pope Francis, is a breaker of tradition. And he couldn’t have come at a better time.
When was the first pope?
Finally, the earliest pope on this list, Pope Leo I was pope from the year 440 to 461, during the dissolution of the Roman Empire.
What was Pope Innocent III's role in the Church?
Pope Innocent III’s efforts in developing canon law, promoting administrative centralization, and expanding the Church’s power shaped the life of the Church for subsequent centuries.
What did Pope John Paul II say about women?
Not only this, but Pope John Paul II’s letter, “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women,” was groundbreaking—he described women as “the representative and the archetype of the whole human race,” embracing women as full persons rather than second-class citizens of the Church.
Why is Pope Francis so suspicious of the Catholic Church?
With contemporary culture becoming more and more suspicious of the Catholic Church due to sex abuse scandals, corruption, and a rising spiritual apathy, Pope Francis has brought his faith back into the spotlight in a positive way.
What were the challenges faced by the Catholic Church during the 12th century?
The Catholic Church faced grave challenges during the 12 th century—some of which threatened to dissolve it completely. Pope Innocent III, upon his election, immediately went to work taking on those challenges. One of the worst challenges lay in the Church’s corruption.
Who was the Pope in 1958?
Pope John XXIII. Gedoughty02/Wikicommons. Pope John XXIII. Born the fourth child in a poor family of fourteen children, Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli would go on to be elected to the papacy in October of 1958. He entered the priesthood at 11, and became Pope John XXIII at age 76.
Why did Pope Francis have his lung removed?
He had his right lung removed in his youth due to an infection, but he appears to be in good health even at the ripe age of almost 80. Before he became a Jesuit, Pope Francis used to work as a bouncer in a Buenos Aries bar to help pay for his studies.
Which countries does the Pope have citizenship?
Currently, Pope holds the citizenship of three countries; Argentina, Italy and Vatican City. In 2013, news magazine the TIME named Pope Francis the Person of the Year, a prestigious title was given to the one who “has done the most to influence the events of the year”.
What did the Pontiff say to his girlfriend when he was 12?
When he was 12 years old, he fell in love with a girl from his neighborhood. He reportedly told her, “If I don’t marry you, I’m going to be a priest.” Even in this case, the Pontiff kept his word.
When did Pope Francis kiss AIDS patients?
In 2001, as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he washed and kissed the feet of 12 AIDS patients at an Argentine hospice.
Is Pope a polyglot?
Pope is a polyglot. He can speak Spanish, Latin and Italian fluently and understanding German, French, Portuguese, English, and Ukrainian.
Becoming Pope
First International Visit as Pope
- Pope Francis made his first international visit on July 22, 2013, when he arrived at the Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, he was greeted by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in a welcome ceremony and later circulated in downtown Rio in order to be "close to the people." While in Rio, Pope Francis was on hand to celebrate World Y…
Pope as Spiritual and World Leader
- In September 2013, Pope Francis called for others to join him in praying for peace in Syria. The pontiff held a special vigil in St. Peter's Square on September 7, which was attended by an estimated 100,000 people. According to the Catholic News Service, Francis told the crowd that "When man thinks only of himself...[and] permits himself to be capt...
Progressive Stances
- That fall, Pope Francis showed himself to be progressive on several scientific issues. He told the members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences that he supported the Big Bang theory and evolution. According to The Independentnewspaper, Pope Francis said that "The Big Bang, which today we hold to be the origin of the world, does not contradict the intervention of the divine cre…
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 his appointment of a bishop accused of covering up sexual abuse by another priest. At least five churches were attacked in the days leading up to his visit, with vandals leaving a threatening message directed at the Pope in one ca…
Pope as Environmental Activist
- In June 2015, Pope Francis spoke out about the environment. He released a 184-page encyclical, a type of Papal message, warning of the dangers of climate change. In this letter, entitled "Laudato Si," Pope Francis wrote: “If present trends continue, this century may well witness extraordinary climate change and an unprecedented destruction of ecosystems, with serious co…
'A Man of His Word'
- Pope Francis: A Man of His Worddebuted at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The documentary, written and directed by Wim Wenders, shows the Pope's "work of reform and his answers to today’s global questions from death, social justice, immigration, ecology, wealth inequality, materialism, and the role of the family." A co-production with the Vatican, the film also follows th…
Overview
Pope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) is the Bishop of Rome and hence head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State since 2013. Francis is the first pope to be a member of the Society of Jesus, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outs…
Public image
Popular mainstream media frequently portray Francis either as a progressive papal reformer or with liberal, moderate values. The Vatican has claimed that Western news outlets often seek to portray his message with a less-doctrinal tone of papacy, in hopes of extrapolating his words to convey a more merciful and tolerant message. In the news media, both faithful and non-believers often refer to a "honeymoon" phase in which the pope has changed the tone on Catholic doctrines an…
Early years
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on 17 December 1936 in Flores, a neighborhood of Buenos Aires. He was the eldest of five children of Mario José Bergoglio (1908–1959) and Regina María Sívori (1911–1981). Mario Bergoglio was an Italian immigrant accountant born in Portacomaro (Province of Asti) in Italy's Piedmont region. Regina Sívori was a housewife born in Buenos Aires to a fami…
Jesuit (1958–2013)
Bergoglio found his vocation to the priesthood while he was on his way to celebrate the Spring Day. He passed by a church to go to confession, and was inspired by the priest. Bergoglio studied at the archdiocesan seminary, Inmaculada Concepción Seminary, in Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, and, after three years, entered the Society of Jesus as a novice on 11 March 1958. Bergoglio h…
Relations with Argentine governments
Bergoglio was the subject of allegations regarding the Navy's kidnapping of two Jesuit priests, Orlando Yorio and Franz Jalics, in May 1976, during Argentina's Dirty War. He feared for the priests' safety and had tried to change their work prior to their arrest; however, contrary to reports, he never tried to throw them out of the Jesuit order. In 2005, Myriam Bregman, a human rights lawyer, filed a criminal complaint against Bergoglio, as superior in the Society of Jesus of Argentina, ac…
Papacy (2013–present)
Elected at 76 years old, Francis was reported to be healthy and his doctors have said his missing lung tissue, removed in his youth, does not significantly affect his health. The only concern would be decreased respiratory reserve if he had a respiratory infection. In the past, one attack of sciatica in 2007 prevented him from attending a consistory and delayed his return to Argentina for several day…
Theological emphases
In Evangelii gaudium Francis revealed what would be the emphases of his pontificate: a missionary impulse among all Catholics, sharing the faith more actively, avoiding worldliness and more visibly living the gospel of God's mercy, and helping the poor and working for social justice.
From his first major letter Evangelii gaudium (Joy to the World), Francis called for "a missionary and pastoral conversion" whereby the laity would fully share in the missionary task of the church…
Controversies
Since 2016, criticism against Francis by theological conservatives has intensified. One commentator has described the conservative resistance against Francis as "unique in its visibility" in recent Church history. Some have explained the level of disagreement as due to his going beyond theoretical principles to pastoral discernment.