Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- Born:
- December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Nationality:
- Argentinian
- Profession(s):
- Priest, Archbishop, Cardinal, Pope
Early Life and Education
- Born to Italian immigrant parents, Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori.
- Studied and received a diploma as a chemical technician.
- Entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958.
- Studied humanities in Chile.
- Returned to Argentina and obtained a degree in philosophy from Colegio Máximo San José in San Miguel.
- Ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as Master of Novices at Villa Barilari in San Miguel (1972-1973).
- Professor of theology at the Faculty of Theology of San Miguel (1973-1976).
- Provincial superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina (1973-1979).
- Rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel (1980-1986).
- Consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992.
- Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
- Created a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
- Elected Pope on March 13, 2013, taking the name Francis.
- First pope from the Americas, first non-European pope in over a millennium, and the first Jesuit pope.
Notable Works
- Encyclical Letter Lumen Fidei (2013).
- Encyclical Letter Laudato si' (2015).
- Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (2016).
- Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (2018).
- Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti (2020).
Legacy and Impact
Pope Francis is known for his humility, emphasis on mercy, concern for the poor and marginalized, and commitment to interreligious dialogue. His papacy has been marked by efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and address global issues such as climate change and social inequality. Many documentaries and even a "pope francis biography on tv" have been produced, reflecting his widespread impact.