The world was filled with excitement and joy as the news of the new Pope spread across the globe. On March 13th, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a 69-year-old cardinal from Argentina, was elected as the 267th occupant of the Papacy. This historic moment marked the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church and its 1.2 billion followers.
Cardinal Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, is a man of humble beginnings. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the eldest of five children in a middle-class family. His childhood was filled with the values of hard work, compassion, and service to others, which would later shape his papacy.
After entering the seminary at the age of 21, Pope Francis was ordained as a priest in 1969. He quickly rose through the ranks of the church, becoming a bishop in 1992 and then the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. In 2001, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, a position he held until his election as Pope.
Throughout his years as a priest and bishop, Pope Francis has been known for his humility, simplicity, and dedication to serving the poor. He is often seen riding the bus, cooking his own meals, and visiting the sick and marginalized. These actions have earned him the nickname “the people’s Pope” and have endeared him to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
As the 267th occupant of the Papacy, Pope Francis has already made a significant impact on the Catholic Church and the world. In his first few months as Pope, he has called for a return to the church’s core values of love, compassion, and mercy. He has also emphasized the need for the church to be more inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Pope Francis has also been vocal about social and environmental issues, calling for action to address poverty, inequality, and climate change. His encyclical, Laudato Si’, which focuses on the care for our common home, has received widespread praise and has sparked important conversations about our responsibility to protect the environment.
One of the most defining moments of Pope Francis’ papacy was his visit to the United States in 2015. During his trip, he addressed the United Nations, held a historic meeting with President Obama, and became the first Pope to address a joint session of the US Congress. He also made a powerful statement by visiting a prison and meeting with inmates, reminding the world of the importance of mercy and forgiveness.
Pope Francis’ words and actions have inspired many, both within and outside of the Catholic Church. His message of love, mercy, and inclusivity has resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds. He has also been a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue, working towards promoting understanding and cooperation among different religions.
Despite his age, Pope Francis is known for his energy and stamina. He has a rigorous schedule, traveling extensively and meeting with people from all walks of life. He has also implemented important reforms within the Vatican, promoting transparency and accountability.
As we celebrate the 6th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election, we can see the positive impact he has had on the Catholic Church and the world. He continues to challenge us to live out our faith in a more meaningful way, to care for the marginalized and the environment, and to promote peace and unity.
The 69-year-old cardinal may have been an unexpected choice for the Papacy, but his wisdom, humility, and love for humanity have made him a beloved leader of the Catholic Church. As we look towards the future, we can only imagine the great things that Pope Francis will continue to accomplish as the 267th occupant of the Papacy.
