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What are 5 interesting 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. ... 3 He once taught literature and psychology. ... 6 He turned down the fancy apartment. ... 8 His first international visit as Pope was to Brazil. ... 10 He made a pop-rock CD. ... 12 He only has one lung.
What is Pope Francis salary?
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 is Pope Francis real name?
Jorge Mario BergoglioPope Francis / Full nameFrancis, also called Francis I, original name Jorge Mario Bergoglio, (born December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina), the bishop of Rome and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church (2013– ). He was the first pope from the Western Hemisphere, the first from South America, and the first from the Jesuit order.
What is Pope Francis best known for?
He's called a father because of his role as the spiritual leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. 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.
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.
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
Are popes married?
The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing the married priesthood in the Latin Church....Popes who were legally married.NameJohn XVIIReign(s)1003RelationshipMarried before his election as popeOffspringYes (three sons)6 more columns
How old is Pope Francis when he became pope?
76Becoming 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.
How old is Pope Francis?
85 years (December 17, 1936)Pope Francis / Age
What is Pope Francis motto?
On 18 March 2013, Pope Francis adopted in his papal coat of arms the coat of arms and the motto that he used since his episcopal consecration in 1991, differenced following his election as Supreme Pontiff....Coat of arms of Pope FrancisMottoMiserando atque eligendo (Latin: "by having mercy, by choosing him")3 more rows
Why is Pope Francis so beloved?
Pope Francis's response is a perfect example of the humility and simplicity that have come to define his papacy. As a leader, his openness makes him seem able to speak to anyone, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, and circumstances. It's no wonder his popularity has transcended traditional categories.
Who was youngest pope?
Pope Benedict IXPope Benedict IX (Latin: Benedictus IX; c. 1012 – c. 1056), born Theophylactus of Tusculum in Rome, was Bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States on three occasions between October 1032 and July 1048. Aged approximately 20 at his first election, he is one of the youngest popes in history.
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, ...
When was Pope Francis elected?
Bergoglio was elected pope on 13 March 2013, the second day of the 2013 papal conclave, taking the papal name Francis. Francis was elected on the fifth ballot of the conclave. The Habemus papam announcement was delivered by the cardinal protodeacon, Jean-Louis Tauran. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn later said that Bergoglio was elected following two supernatural signs, one in the conclave and hence confidential, and a Latin-American couple of friends of Schönborn who whispered Bergoglio's name in Schönborn's ear; Schönborn commented "if these people say Bergoglio, that's an indication of the Holy Spirit".
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.
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."
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.
When did Pope Francis hold a synod?
Pope Francis also held Synods of Bishops on the family in 2014 and 2015. His post-synodal apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia, which was published in 2016, was met with a varied reception and interpretation within the Church.
Who was the first Latin American to become a pope?
On March 13, 2013, Bergoglio was elected to the papacy, at the age of 76. He was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to become pope. Pope Francis took office following the unexpected resignation of Benedict XVI. With few modifications, Francis published a final version of Benedict’s draft encyclical as his first: the 2013 work Lumen fidei.
How many siblings did Bergoglio have?
His father was a railway worker who immigrated to Argentina from Italy, and his mother was a housewife of Italian origin. Bergoglio had four siblings. After earning a secondary school degree as a chemical technician, Bergoglio felt a call to the priesthood as a Jesuit, joining the novitiate in 1958, at the age of 22.
What were the Pontifical Councils for the Family and the Laity?
The Pontifical Councils for the Family and the Laity were suppressed and integrated into the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life; and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development subsumed the suppressed Pontifical Councils Cor Unum and for Health Care Workers, Justice and Peace, and Migrants.
What reforms did Pope Francis make?
His reform included the consolidation of several dicasteries, the establishment of new offices, and efforts to modernize Vatican financial practices.
What is the theme of Pope Francis's pontificate?
Mercy is a prominent theme of Pope Francis’s pontificate. He made changes to the annulment process, aimed at removing some of the financial burden and shortening the process.
How many countries did Pope Francis visit?
In the first seven years of his pontificate, the pope made over 30 international trips and visited more than 45 countries, including a July 2013 visit to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day, where he offered Mass for an estimated three million pilgrims on Copacabana Beach.
Who was the first pope of the Western Hemisphere?
Francis, also called Francis I, original name Jorge Mario Bergoglio, (born December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina), the bishop of Rome and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church (2013– ). He was the first pope from the Western Hemisphere, the first from South America, and the first from the Jesuit order.
Why did Pope Francis not use the Roman numeral I?
Although he was the first Pope Francis and was widely referred to as “Francis I,” he declined to use the Roman numeral I to indicate that he was the first to use his papal name. (Traditionally, the numeral I is not added to a pope’s name until after a second pope of the same name has been elected.
What was the significance of the Laudato si'?
Three months after issuing Laudato si’, Francis made his first visit to the United States, where he became the first pope to address the U.S. Congress.
Why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?
In February 2013 Pope Benedict XVI resigned, citing old age and health concerns. A conclave was convened in early March, spurring hopes that Benedict’s replacement could be elected and installed before the impending Easter holiday. Bergoglio was elected on the fifth ballot and chose the name Francis, in honour of St. Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226), who lived a life of humble service to the poor, and also recalling St. Francis Xavier (1506–52), a founding member of the Jesuits. Although he was the first Pope Francis and was widely referred to as “Francis I,” he declined to use the Roman numeral I to indicate that he was the first to use his papal name. (Traditionally, the numeral I is not added to a pope’s name until after a second pope of the same name has been elected. John Paul I [1978] was the first pope to use the numeral during his reign.)
When was Bergoglio ordained?
He was ordained a priest in 1969, took his final vows in the Jesuit order in 1973, and subsequently served as superior (head) of the Jesuit province of Argentina (1973–79). Bergoglio’s tenure as head of the country’s Jesuits coincided with the military coup in Argentina (1976) led by Lieut. Gen. Jorge Rafael Videla.
Where did Pope Francis wash the feet of refugees?
Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu refugees, both men and women, during a Maundy Thursday mass with asylum seekers at a shelter in Castelnuovo di Porto, outside Rome, Italy, March 24, 2016. Sipa USA/AP Images.
When did the Jesuit priests disappear?
In 1976 two Jesuit priests who had worked in poor neighbourhoods were disappeared; they were found alive, but drugged, in a field five months later. Years after the Dirty War, Bergoglio’s role in the priests’ kidnapping and release generated controversy.
Who was the first Pope of the Americas?
The first Pope of the Americas Jorge Mario Bergoglio hails from Argentina. The 76-year-old Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires is a prominent figure throughout the continent, yet remains a simple pastor who is deeply loved by his diocese, throughout which he has travelled extensively on the underground and by bus during the 15 years ...
When did Pope John Paul II appoint Bishop of Auca?
So, on 20 May 1992 Pope John Paul II appointed him titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires. On 27 May he received episcopal ordination from the Cardinal in the cathedral. He chose as his episcopal motto, miserando atque eligendo, and on his coat of arms inserted the ihs, the symbol of the Society of Jesus.
What was the mission of Archbishop of Buenos Aires?
As Archbishop of Buenos Aires — a diocese with more than three million inhabitants — he conceived of a missionary project based on communion and evangelization. He had four main goals: open and brotherly communities, an informed laity playing a lead role, evangelization efforts addressed to every inhabitant of the city, and assistance to the poor and the sick. He aimed to reevangelize Buenos Aires, “taking into account those who live there, its structure and its history”. He asked priests and lay people to work together. In September 2009 he launched the solidarity campaign for the bicentenary of the Independence of the country. Two hundred charitable agencies are to be set up by 2016. And on a continental scale, he expected much from the impact of the message of the Aparecida Conference in 2007, to the point of describing it as the “ Evangelii Nuntiandi of Latin America”.
Was Cardinal Bergoglio sober?
All the while Cardinal Bergoglio was becoming ever more popular in Latin America. Despite this, he never relaxed his sober approach or his strict lifestyle, which some have defined as almost “ascetic”. In this spirit of poverty, he declined to be appointed as President of the Argentine Bishops’ Conference in 2002, but three years later he was elected and then, in 2008, reconfirmed for a further three-year mandate. Meanwhile in April 2005 he took part in the Conclave in which Pope Benedict XVI was elected.
When was Pope Francis ordained?
Ordained as Pope at the age of 76 on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis is the first citizen from the Americas, the first non-European and first Jesuit priest to be named Pope. Before taking up the honourable appointment, he served as the Archbishop and Cardinal of Buenos Aires.
Why did Pope Francis change his name?
He had chosen the name because of his concern of the well-being of the poor. It is the first time that a pope has been named Francis. Continue Reading Below.
Why did Bergoglio reconcile with Podesta?
Bergoglio while serving as an Archbishop made efforts to reconcile with Jeronimo Podesta, a former bishop who had been defrocked as a priest, because of his opposition to the military dictatorship during the 1970s.
What is Bergoglio's episcopal motto?
It was during this time that Bergoglio chose the episcopal motto, ‘Miserando atque eligendo’ meaning, ‘because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him’.
What is Pope Francis's teaching?
His Teachings. A true advocator of humility and self-effacement, Pope Francis has been noted for his commitment to serve the poor and needy and to bridge gaps between people of different backgrounds, faiths and beliefs.
Why did Pope Francis prophesy morality?
He has continuously prophesized the morality as a response to God’s mercy. Pope Francis is of the belief that morality is a revolution rather than an effort. Ever since his attainment of priesthood, Pope Francis has procured accolades and appreciation for his stand against poverty and economic differences.
What did Pope Francis do after his appointment?
Immediately after his appointment, Pope Francis took several eye-twitching decisions, including the abolishing of the bonuses paid to Vatican employees upon the election of a new pope and the annual bonus paid to the cardinals serving on the Board of Supervisors for the Vatican bank, opting instead to donate the money to the poor. This was his first step towards his mission to safeguard the well-being of the poor.
What did Pope Francis teach about marriage?
Teaching on marriage. Francis has taught that "Marriage is between a man and a woman. Secular states want to justify civil unions to regulate different situations of cohabitation, pushed by the demand to regulate economic aspects between persons, such as ensuring health care.
When did Pope Francis appear on the road to Rome?
On April 19, 2019, Pope Francis appeared on the last episode of the BBC2 three-episode miniseries Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome, which featured eight celebrities as they traveled a section of the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome.
Why did Bergoglio close the letter asking the Carmelite Nuns for prayers?
Finally, Bergoglio closes the letter asking the Carmelite Nuns for prayers so that senators voting for the bill were not "moved by error or by situations of opportunity, but according to the natural law and the law that God points out to them" and so that they did "the greater good for the country".
What Pope said same sex marriage is a threat to the family?
In 2015, Pope Francis declared that "the family is threatened by growing efforts on the part of some to redefine the very institution of marriage" and suggested that same-sex marriage "disfigures God's plan for creation.".
What did Pope Francis say about homosexuality?
He also said Catholic parents should talk with their homosexual children and that they should not be "throw [n] out" of the family.
What did Pope Francis say about gay people?
Speaking about gay people in 2013, he said that "the key is for the church to welcome, not exclude and show mercy, not condemnation.".
When did Pope Francis say that priests should accompany transgender people?
On 2 October 2016, Pope Francis spoke in favor of pastoral care for and including transgender Catholics in the church, stating priests should "accompany them spiritually" and that they should never be turned away, even if they have undergone sex transition and sex-reassignment operations.
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 Ri…
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 captivated by the idols of domini…
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…
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 …
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…
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 f…
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.
International diplomatic role
Francis played a key role in the talks toward restoring full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. The restoration was jointly announced by U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro on 17 December 2014. The headline in the Los Angeles Times on 19 December was "Bridge to Cuba via Vatican," with the further lead "In a rare and crucial role, Francis helped keep U.…