BIOGRAPHY OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS

 

BIOGRAPHY
OF THE HOLY FATHER

FRANCIS

 

 

Pope Francis: The Humble Pastor from Argentina Who Became the First Pope of the Americas

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, made history on March 13, 2013, when he was elected as the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. At the age of 76, the then-Archbishop of Buenos Aires brought with him not only a deep spirituality but also a humble lifestyle and a deep connection with the poor.

A Simple Life in Service

Known for his humility, Pope Francis once said, “My people are poor and I am one of them.” He chose to live in a modest apartment, cooked his own meals, and frequently used public transportation during his 15-year episcopal ministry in Buenos Aires. His pastoral style emphasized mercy, openness, and courage. He often warned against the dangers of “spiritual worldliness” — becoming self-centered — and urged both clergy and laypeople to reconnect with the Gospel, the Ten Commandments, and the Beatitudes.

Early Life and Education

Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis is the son of Italian immigrants. His father, Mario, was a railway accountant, and his mother, Regina, devoted herself to raising their five children. After training as a chemical technician, he entered the seminary and joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958.

He pursued studies in Chile and Argentina, earning degrees in philosophy and theology, and later taught literature and psychology. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and made his final Jesuit vows in 1973.

Rise Through the Church

In 1973, he was appointed Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina. He later served as rector, spiritual director, and professor. His quiet yet strong leadership during Argentina’s economic crisis in 2001 earned him national respect. On May 20, 1992, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires and later became its Archbishop in 1998. He chose the episcopal motto "Miserando atque eligendo", meaning "lowly but chosen."

A Global Leader with a Local Heart

Cardinal Bergoglio became well-known for his simplicity and social commitment. He urged believers to serve the poor rather than celebrate his elevation to Cardinal in 2001, asking them to donate to charity instead of traveling to Rome.

As Archbishop, he focused on building open, inclusive communities, empowering the laity, and prioritizing evangelization and care for the sick and needy. In 2009, he launched a large-scale charitable campaign tied to Argentina’s bicentennial, aiming to establish 200 social aid centers by 2016.

A Voice for Justice and the Church

He played a key role in the 2001 Synod of Bishops, emphasizing the bishop's role as a prophet of justice and a voice for the Church's social teachings. Despite growing popularity across Latin America, he remained personally austere and declined prominent leadership roles, including an initial offer to become president of Argentina’s bishops' conference — though he was later elected in 2005 and re-elected in 2008.

Before Becoming Pope

Before the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Bergoglio served on several Vatican bodies, including congregations overseeing worship, clergy, and religious life. His pastoral approach, love for the poor, and theological depth made him a respected figure among his peers — leading to his surprise election as Pope Francis, a name inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor.