Pope Francis: How He Became Pope & What You Need To Know!
How does a man, seemingly from the periphery of global influence, ascend to the pinnacle of the Catholic Church, becoming a figure revered by millions? The election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, marked a seismic shift in the papacy, bringing forth the first pontiff from the Americas, the first Jesuit, and a leader whose papacy would be defined by humility, reform, and a profound focus on the marginalized.
The journey of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, to the papacy was a testament to his unwavering faith, his commitment to social justice, and his profound understanding of the human condition. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, to Italian immigrants, Bergoglio's life took a decisive turn when he joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, in 1958. This decision, made after recovering from a severe illness, set him on a path of service and spiritual exploration that would ultimately lead him to the highest office in the Catholic Church. Ordained as a priest in 1969, Bergoglios early career involved serving as Argentinas provincial superior of the Society of Jesus from 1973 to 1979. This period saw him navigating the complexities of political turmoil and advocating for the voiceless. His deep-rooted commitment to his faith, along with his strong leadership qualities, propelled him up the ranks within the Church.
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Religious Order | Jesuit |
| Ordained as Priest | December 1969 |
| Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires | 1992 |
| Promoted to Coadjutor Archbishop | 1997 |
| Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 |
| Elevated to Cardinal | 2001 by Pope John Paul II |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Key Initiatives/Focus | Social justice, environmental stewardship, reform within the Catholic Church, and reaching out to the marginalized. |
| Memoir Published | "Hope" |
| Reference | Vatican Website - Pope Francis |
Bergoglio's rise within the Church hierarchy continued in the 1990s. In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him as an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 1997, he was promoted to coadjutor archbishop, eventually becoming the head of the archdiocese in 1998. His dedication and leadership were further recognized in 2001 when Pope John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals. This promotion placed him among the electors who would later choose the next pope. The appointment to the College of Cardinals provided him with greater influence and a broader platform from which to advocate for his core beliefs.
The surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February 2013 paved the way for a new era in the Catholic Church. The subsequent conclave, held in Vatican City, was charged with selecting the next leader of the global Church. On March 13, 2013, the College of Cardinals made their decision, electing Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the 266th pope. He chose the name Francis, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a deliberate move that signaled his commitment to humility, simplicity, and service to the poor. His election was historic; he was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francis.
Pope Francis's papacy, which began on February 28, 2013, and formally on March 13, 2013, has been marked by a distinctive style of leadership. He quickly became known for his informal demeanor, his emphasis on compassion, and his unwavering focus on the vulnerable members of society. His embrace of simplicity and his willingness to challenge traditional norms within the Church have garnered him widespread respect and admiration from people of all backgrounds. He frequently eschews the elaborate trappings of his office, choosing instead to live a more modest lifestyle, reflecting his emphasis on humility and service.
His actions reflected his words. He has championed social justice, advocating for the rights of the poor, the marginalized, and the environment. He has spoken out against consumerism and materialism and has urged the Church to be a more inclusive and welcoming place for all. The themes of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness have been central to his pontificate. He has consistently sought to bridge divides, fostering dialogue and understanding between different faiths and cultures. He has also encouraged the Church to engage in critical self-reflection, addressing issues such as the sexual abuse scandal and advocating for greater transparency and accountability.
One of the defining moments of his papacy was the convening of the Synod on Synodality in October 2023, described as the most important Catholic event since the Second Vatican Council. This event reflected his belief in a more collaborative and participatory approach to church governance, encouraging the active involvement of lay people in decision-making processes. He has sought to modernize the Church, embracing new technologies and promoting greater dialogue with the world. The publication of his memoir, "Hope," further illustrates his willingness to share his personal reflections and engage in direct communication with the wider world.
Pope Franciss papacy has not been without its challenges. He has faced resistance from more conservative elements within the Church who have expressed concerns about his reforms and his emphasis on social justice. Despite these challenges, Pope Francis has remained steadfast in his commitment to his vision of a Church that is both compassionate and relevant to the modern world. His ability to communicate with a global audience, his commitment to dialogue, and his focus on inclusivity have made him a significant figure on the world stage. He has traveled extensively, visiting countries across the globe to meet with people from all walks of life, demonstrating his dedication to global outreach and his desire to connect with individuals on a personal level.
In his later years, Pope Francis has been transparent about his health challenges. He has spoken about his chronic lung disease and the removal of a portion of one lung. In recent years, he has had to cancel or modify some events due to health concerns. Despite these health issues, he continues to fulfill his duties and remains an active and influential figure within the Catholic Church. His resilience and his continued dedication to his mission serve as an inspiration to many.
Pope Franciss papacy has been marked by several defining themes, including a focus on social justice, environmental stewardship, and reform within the Catholic Church. His papacy has been lauded for its emphasis on mercy and compassion, its efforts to address the sexual abuse scandal, and its initiatives aimed at fostering greater inclusivity and understanding. His efforts to bridge divides between different faiths and cultures, alongside his call for greater dialogue, have helped to create a more interconnected world. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of humility, service, and walking alongside the marginalized, embodying these values in his actions and words.
Who will be the next Pope? We could see the first black or Asian
Did you notice how Pope Francis became a completely different person?
Keir Starmer meets Ukraine president Zelensky at Pope Francis' funeral
