Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- Born:
- December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Died:
- N/A (Living)
- Nationality:
- Argentinian
- Profession(s):
- Catholic Priest, Archbishop, Cardinal, Pope
Early Life and Education
- Born to Italian immigrant parents in Buenos Aires.
- Originally trained as a chemical technician.
- Entered the Society of Jesus in 1958.
- Studied humanities in Chile and later obtained a degree in philosophy from the Colegio Máximo San José in San Miguel.
- Taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe and at the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires.
Career and Major Achievements
- Ordained a priest in 1969.
- Served as provincial superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina from 1973 to 1979.
- Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992.
- Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
- Elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
- Elected Pope on March 13, 2013, taking the name Francis.
- The start of the papacy of Pope Francis in 2013 marked a significant era. Special events like World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in July 2013 were early indicators of his focus on global outreach. A highlight of the year was the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, outlining his vision for the Church.
- Key initiatives include reforms within the Vatican administration and a focus on social justice issues.
- Championed environmental protection through the encyclical Laudato si'.
- Actively involved in interfaith dialogue.
Notable Works
- Meditaciones para religiosos (1982)
- Reflexiones sobre la vida apostólica (1986)
- Diálogos entre Juan Pablo II y Fidel Castro (1998)
- Educar: exigencia y pasión. Desafíos para educadores cristianos (2003)
- La nación por construir. Diálogo indispensable para evitar otra Argentina inviable (2005)
- Sobre la acusación de sí mismo (2006)
- Evangelii Gaudium (Apostolic Exhortation, 2013)
- Laudato si' (Encyclical, 2015)
- Amoris Laetitia (Apostolic Exhortation, 2016)
Legacy and Impact
Pope Francis is recognized for his emphasis on pastoral care, his focus on the poor and marginalized, and his efforts to reform the Catholic Church. His papacy is marked by a commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and interreligious dialogue, making him a significant figure on the global stage.