Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known as Pope Francis, was born on December 17, 1936, and is the Bishop of Rome. He is, as such, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State since his 2013 election. Today is the Pope’s birthday, and we are going to celebrate him right here.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Nickname:
Pope Francis
Birth date:
December 17, 1936
Age:
87
Zodiac Sign:
Sagittarius
Height:
5' 7"
Net Worth:
$16 million
Jorge's Social Media:
Background
Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, was born in Flores, a neighborhood of Buenos Aires, to parents Mario José Bergoglio, an Italian immigrant accountant, and Regina María Sívori, a housewife. After finishing junior school, Bergoglio attended the technical secondary school Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen, where he graduated with a chemical technician’s diploma. He later worked in the food section of Hickethier-Bachmann Laboratory, as well as worked as a bar bouncer and as a janitor, sweeping floors.
After studying further at the archdiocesan seminary, Inmaculada Concepción Seminary, in Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus as a novice in 1958. In 1969, he was ordained as a Catholic priest, and from 1973 to 1979 was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. In 1998, he became the archbishop of Buenos Aires, and later in 2001, was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. In 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis by a papal conclave.
During his papacy, Bergoglio has been known for his less formal approach to the role of the Bishop of Rome, as well as his modesty, international fame, regard for the poor, and his devotion to interreligious dialogue. He has also been honored and awarded for various causes, such as a canter in the Philippines named after himself, The Pope Francis Center for the Poor, and being granted Person of the Year by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Career timeline
1958
The Society of Jesus
Bergoglio enters the Society of Jesus as a novice.
1998
The Archbishop of Buenos Aires
Bergoglio becomes the Archbishop of Buenos Aries.
2001
The Title Bump
Bergoglio is named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
2013
The Election As Pope
Bergoglio is elected as Pope Francis by a papal conclave. He was the first the first Jesuit pope.
2015
In The Year Of Mercy
Pope Francis inaugurated a 'year of mercy'. A year of remission of sins, debts, and universal pardon.
2020
COVID-19
During the pandemic, Pope Francis urges the faithful not to forget the poor during the time of crisis
February 2022
Love During War
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis Francis, in what many describe as an "unprecedented move" visits the Russian embassy in Rome, and states his "sorrow" at president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's situation.
26 April 2023
Women in the Church
Pope Francis announces the inclusion of women the Ordinary Assembly, making this the first time women could vote in any Catholic Synod of Bishops.
Why We Love Pope Francis
He has empowered women
Bergoglio has changed the Catholic Church laws to include women as Bible readers at Mass, serving at the altar, as well as distributing communion. This has allowed bishops to institute women into the ministries of acolyte and lector.
He advocates for action against climate change
Bergoglio is a huge advocate for climate change. He has asked the people of the world to take swift and unified global action against environmental degradation and global warming. He has criticised those who "deny, conceal, gloss over or relativise the issue", stating that you cannot deny the human cause of climate change.
He supports the L.G.B.T.
Bergoglio has become very supportive of the L.B.G.T. community. He has also expressed that parents of gay children should support their children instead of condemning them. He recently said it may be possible to bless same-sex unions.
5 Surprising Facts
His Pope Francis name
‘Francis’ was chosen as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
He suffered a deadly disease
Bergoglio suffered from life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts and had part of a lung excised.
He has a favorite football club
Bergoglio is a lifelong fan of San Lorenzo de Almagro football club.
He was portrayed in a film
In the film “The Two Popes,” Bergoglio was portrayed by actor Jonathan Pryce.
He is a writer
Bergoglio has written several books, encyclicals, and other scripts.
Pope Francis FAQs
Does Pope Francis have children?
No, Pope Francis does not have any children.
Does Pope Francis have social media?
The Pope has two verified accounts on Instagram and Twitter.
How much does Pope Francis make?
He does not earn a salary as a monarch. As he is the Pope, he has everything at his disposal.
Pope Francis’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 17 | Sunday |
| 2024 | December 17 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 17 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 17 | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 17 | Friday |
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As someone deeply familiar with religious figures and their histories, Pope Francis, or Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has a captivating background. His journey from Buenos Aires to the Vatican City has been well-documented, showcasing a life devoted to service and faith.
Bergoglio's early life in Argentina, growing up in the neighborhood of Flores, significantly influenced his worldview. His education at Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen equipped him with a chemical technician's diploma, revealing his scientific inclination before his spiritual calling.
What sets Pope Francis apart is his atypical path to the papacy. Before assuming the role of the Bishop of Rome, he worked in various humble roles, from laboring in laboratories to tending bar. This diverse experience grounded him in the realities of everyday life, shaping his empathetic and compassionate approach as a religious leader.
His journey within the Catholic Church is notable. Joining the Society of Jesus in 1958, he eventually rose to become the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was later appointed as a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. His papal election in 2013 marked a historic moment, making him the first Jesuit pope.
Pope Francis' papacy has been characterized by a departure from tradition, marked by his informal style and strong advocacy for the marginalized. His devotion to interreligious dialogue and his focus on issues like poverty and climate change have garnered international acclaim and recognition. Notably, his initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic underscore his commitment to addressing global crises.
Recent events, like his groundbreaking inclusion of women in the Ordinary Assembly of the Catholic Synod of Bishops in April 2023, demonstrate his progressive vision for the Church's future. His support for women's roles within the Church, his stance on climate change, and his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community showcase his openness to societal evolution while upholding core religious values.
Regarding specific events, like his visit to the Russian embassy during the Ukraine conflict and his statements advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, these instances highlight Pope Francis' active involvement in contemporary global issues, transcending traditional religious boundaries.
Furthermore, his personal traits and interests, such as his choice of papal name 'Francis' in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, his health struggles, love for football with a devotion to San Lorenzo de Almagro, portrayal in "The Two Popes" movie, and his authorship of books and encyclicals, add layers to his persona, showcasing a multifaceted individual beyond his role as the Pope.
Pope Francis' influence extends beyond religious circles, resonating with people from diverse backgrounds due to his inclusive and progressive approach. His efforts to modernize and adapt the Church to contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in its foundational principles make him a transformative figure in the world today.
