March 13, 2013, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church after the resignation of Pope Benedict the XVI, the first Pope in 600 years to do so. Pope Francis who is of Italian descent was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina of immigrant Italian parents whose father worked on the railroad. Bergoglio who 76 years old is the first elected Jesuit Pope and the first ever from Latin America.
Jesuit Priests are members of the Society of Jesus, an order founded in the 16th century by St. Ignatius Loyola. The members are scholars and take a vow of poverty and are committed to work among the poor, the needy and the less fortunate. The Pope chose the name Francis because the Saint ministered to the poor.
Pope Francis is described as a humble man who leads a simple life including preparing his own meals, living in a Spartan Apartment, and using public transportation. Pope Francis is seen as reformer, which is welcomed especially after the many recent challenges of the Catholic church. Many hope that the new Pope will repair the Church's reputation, address Gay Marriage and allow women to play a larger role in the Catholic Church including considering allowing women to become priests. He certainly has his work cut out for him.
Jesuit Priests are members of the Society of Jesus, an order founded in the 16th century by St. Ignatius Loyola. The members are scholars and take a vow of poverty and are committed to work among the poor, the needy and the less fortunate. The Pope chose the name Francis because the Saint ministered to the poor.
Pope Francis is described as a humble man who leads a simple life including preparing his own meals, living in a Spartan Apartment, and using public transportation. Pope Francis is seen as reformer, which is welcomed especially after the many recent challenges of the Catholic church. Many hope that the new Pope will repair the Church's reputation, address Gay Marriage and allow women to play a larger role in the Catholic Church including considering allowing women to become priests. He certainly has his work cut out for him.
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