Pope Francis Biography, Age, Education, Career and Personal Life

Jorge Mario Bergoglio (born December 17, 1936) is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, having assumed the papacy on March 13, 2013. He is the first pope from the Americas, the first non-European pope in over a millennium, and the first Jesuit pope. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and social justice.

Pope Francis Profile

Name	Pope Francis
Real Name	Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Birthday	December 17, 1936
Age	87 years (2023)
Profession	Pope
State of Origin	Buenos Aires
Nationality	Argentina
Tribe	porteños
Religion	Christian
Known for	266th Pope
Net worth	$16 million
Copied from	contents101.comhe

Early Life and Education

Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrants. As a young man, he faced health challenges, including surgery to remove part of one of his lungs due to a serious infection. He graduated from a technical school as a chemical technician before entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto in 1958, where he began his journey toward the priesthood.

Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at various institutions, including Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé and Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires during the 1960s. He studied theology at the Colegio of San José from 1967 to 1970 and completed his doctoral thesis in theology in Freiburg, Germany, in 1986.

Priesthood

Ordained as a priest in December 1969, Bergoglio became the Jesuit provincial of Argentina in 1973. His mother was initially unsupportive of his decision to join the priesthood, but she later accepted his calling. Following his ordination, he returned to the Colegio of San José as rector (1980-1986) and professor of theology.

On May 20, 1992, Bergoglio was appointed titular bishop of Auca and auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in February 1998 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. He served as president of the Bishops’ Conference of Argentina from 2005 to 2011.

Becoming Pope

Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. His election was notable for its historic significance, as he was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. Upon his election, he emphasized simplicity and humility, famously returning to pay his hotel bill personally instead of sending an assistant. He chose to live in a modest two-room apartment rather than the luxurious papal accommodations in the Vatican.

In his first address to the public, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for his election and highlighted his role as the Bishop of Rome. His papacy quickly garnered attention for its focus on social issues, including poverty, environmental concerns, and the need for a more inclusive church.

Early Papacy and International Engagement

Pope Francis made his first international trip to Brazil in July 2013 for World Youth Day, where he emphasized being “close to the people.” During this visit, he made headlines for his open stance on gay Catholics, stating, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

In September 2013, he held a special vigil in St. Peter’s Square, calling for peace in Syria and urging dialogue and reconciliation. His approach to contentious social issues included advocating for a broader religious dialogue that transcends traditional church teachings.

Progressive Stances and Environmental Advocacy

Pope Francis has taken progressive stances on various issues. He openly supported the Big Bang theory and evolution, stating that they do not contradict the notion of creation. In December 2013, he issued an apostolic exhortation calling for significant changes within the Catholic Church, emphasizing the need for a church that is engaged with the world.

In June 2015, he released the encyclical “Laudato Si,” addressing climate change and urging global leaders to take meaningful action. He condemned the reliance on fossil fuels and called for a collective effort to protect the environment, framing the issue as a moral imperative.

Sexual Abuse Crisis

Pope Francis has faced significant challenges regarding the sexual abuse crisis within the church. During a trip to Chile in January 2018, he encountered backlash over his handling of a bishop accused of covering up abuse. He later acknowledged “serious mistakes” and met with victims to address their concerns.

In response to ongoing scandals, he convened a summit in February 2019 focused on the protection of minors in the church. In December 2019, he announced the abolition of the “pontifical secrecy” rule concerning sexual abuse cases, allowing for greater transparency and cooperation with civil authorities.

Social Issues and Controversial Statements

Pope Francis has made headlines for his views on various social issues. He announced in September 2015 that priests would be allowed to forgive the sin of abortion during a “year of mercy,” reflecting a more compassionate approach to women facing difficult choices. He later extended this dispensation to all priests.

In August 2018, he declared the death penalty inadmissible, stating that it violates the dignity of the person. His support for same-sex civil unions, expressed in a 2020 documentary, further demonstrated his willingness to engage with contemporary social issues.

Continued Global Engagement

Pope Francis has maintained an active schedule, traveling to various countries to promote peace, dialogue, and social justice. He has met with world leaders, including those from Cuba and the United States, to foster diplomatic relationships.

In November 2017, he visited Myanmar amid the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, calling for tolerance but facing criticism for not explicitly condemning the persecution. His visits to countries like South Korea and his meetings with refugees have highlighted his commitment to addressing global issues.

Pope Francis Net Worth

According to Marca, the net worth of Pope Francis is estimated to be $16 million.