Pope Francis (Francesco), who in the world bore the name of Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), was born December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires. Comes from a family of Italian immigrants, his father worked on the railway. The first head of the Catholic world from the New World, as well as the first Jesuit Pope.
Ordination and pedagogical activity
Bergoglio entered the seminary of Villa Devoto in Buenos Aires at the age of 22 years. In 1958, he joined the ranks of the Jesuit Order. Humanitarian studies took place in Chile. Then, returning to Argentina, he entered the college of St. Joseph. Upon graduation, he taught with honors the liberal arts at colleges in Buenos Aires.
In addition to his native Spanish, he is fluent in Italian and German. The new pope also has a secular education in the specialty of a chemical technologist.
The ordination took place on December 13, 1969. As befits a true priest, Bergoglio was unpretentious and persistent, besides he had good knowledge, which he constantly improved. Due to these qualities, soon took the post of rector of the college of St. Joseph. Then, having received his doctorate in Germany, he became director of the Cordoban Archbishopric.
Top positions in the church hierarchy
Bergoglio became the Primate of Argentina at the age of 61. In fact, he performed these duties for several years before joining the dignity, being assistant to Cardinal Antonio Quarracino. Here, his talent as a leader and the qualities inherent in the true father of the Church were fully revealed and appreciated.
In 2001, Pope John Paul II (Giovanni Paulo II) elevated Archbishop Bergoglio to the Cardinals. In this title, he held various posts in the Roman Curia.
The biography of the most modest of the priests was not cloudless. In 2005, a scandal erupted. Criminal proceedings were instituted against Cardinal Bergoglio. Human rights activist Miriam Bregman accused him of allegedly surrendering two Jesuit priests to the junta in 1976. The version about the connection of the priest with the junta was not confirmedJudge Herman Castelli called the indictment "a complete lie."
In April of the same 2005, after the death of John Paul II, the cardinal took part in the Conclave as a pope elector. But in the second round, the majority of the votes were cast by Joseph Ratzinger, who took the name of Benedict XVI (Benedetto XVI).
After Benedict's abdication of the papacy on February 28, 2013The Argentinean again participated in the Conclave, this time successfully. Catholics from around the world enthusiastically accepted the news that from now on their modest cardinal from Latin America became their shepherd.
Speeches
The new pope is known not only as a talented leader, but also a brilliant speaker. The speeches of Francis I testify to a versatile mind and deep education. The range of problems that concern dad is wide and varied: possible third world war, troubled Ukraine, interethnic relations, problems of sex minorities and illegitimate children.
- In a speech dedicated to the centenary of the beginning of World War IFrancis I, urging the flock to peace and unity, said that the third world war, whether we wish it or not, has already begun.
Evidence of this is the ongoing armed conflicts shaking the world, the most striking examples of which are Syria and Ukraine. He told that his grandfather was a participant in the First World War, after which he emigrated to Argentina.
- One of the most felt performances of the pontiff - speech delivered in the European Parliament. Raising his voice on behalf of the Church, the pope spoke about the inadmissibility of arms trafficking and human trafficking, emphasizing that democracy, without striving for truth, is slipping into the swamp of universal egoism.
Francis compared Europe with a poplar, which withers away without roots. "Where is your strength, Europe?" asked the head of the Catholic world. Strength, according to the pope, lies in a reasonable and respectful attitude to the historical heritage.
- Speech on the Armenian Genocide April 12, 2015 the indignation of the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Erdogan (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) has already caused one use of the word "genocide".
The Vatican Ambassador was called to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara to give explanations, the pontiff insisted that the events of 1915 laid the foundation for mass killings on ethnic grounds that overshadowed the 20th century. According to the pope, the hidden evil can be likened to a "bleeding wound that has not been bandaged."
The Roman Mass is an important part of the life of any person who professes Catholicism, and for all others it can become an interesting sight. The Vatican's official website provides a schedule of liturgies held at St. Peter's Basilica. Dad himself holds the Mass only on holidays, there are many visitors, it is recommended to come two hours before the start.
On Sunday morning (at 11 o’clock), Pope Francis read the sermon Angelus from the window of his chambers for those gathered in St. Peter's Square. Sunday is a special grace for Christians, everyone can see their shepherd and plunge into the atmosphere of unity with fellow believers.
Irish prophecy
The prophecy of the holy archbishop of Irish Malachi states that the last pope, called Peter the Roman (Petrus Romanus), will rule "amidst many torments", after which the Eternal City expects complete destruction.
It would seem that all of the above is not relevant to the current pontiff. But the interpreters of the sacred texts drew an analogy, decomposing the name of the pope into two words - Berg and Oglio. Petrus (Latin) and Berg (German) are translated as “stone”, Oglio (Ollya) - a river in Italy, one of the tributaries of the Po. Yes, and Papa himself is an ethnic Italian! His worldly surname can be interpreted as "stronghold in the stream". Such considerations look (and indeed are) controversial, but because of the many coincidences of the motto of Malachi with the facts about previous popes, those who wish find a reason to argue that The ancient prophecy of Peter the Romans is performed by an Argentinean cardinal.
Interesting Facts
- Known for personal modesty. He refused a luxury apartment, a "pop-car" and a personal chef. Like his namesake Francis of Assisi, he is devoted to the ideals of gospel poverty.
- In young age moonlighting as a bouncer in the night club.
- Is a football fan, a fan of the club "San Lorenzo" from Buenos Aires.
- On the first Pure Thursday after intronization washed the feet of 12 juvenile prisoners, among whom were two girls (Catholic and Muslim). With his gesture, the new pope set an example of mercy for adolescents who are at the very bottom of life.
- English magazine "Time" recognized him as "Man of the Year 2013."
- Dad's emailaddressed to Gustavo Vera (Gustavo Vera), chairman of the Latin American Society for the fight against drug addiction, caused a diplomatic scandal. The reason for this was the pontiff's desire to prevent the "Mexicanization" of Argentina. The theme of such an unsuccessful e-mail was the rampant drug mafia in Latin America. There was no limit to the indignation of the Mexican side, but the Vatican press service said that a personal letter should not become a reason for such a quarrel and His Holiness did not want to offend anyone, he only emphasized the danger of increased drug trafficking.
Feedback - How do I contact Pope Francis?
The pontiff has no public e-mail; all messages to the Holy Father are sent to the following address: His Holiness Francesco, Courtyard of Santa Marta, 00120 Vatican (Sua Santità Francesco, Casa Santa Marta, 00120 Città del Vaticano).
The form of writing is free, it is allowed to write in the native language, referring to the pope "Your Holiness" or "Holy Father". At the Papal Court there is a Correspondence Office, consisting of four people and headed by Monsignor Giuliano Gallorini. This small unit sorts and reads all the many letters addressed to Pope Francis. More often than not, they write the answers, strictly observing the papal style.
Only in the most difficult cases, when the letter contains complaints of great injustice and oppression, does the pope himself answer.
To receive the special blessing of the Holy Father, you need to fill out a special form, the form of which is provided by the site of the Papal Court. There are three ways to submit the completed form for its intended purpose:
- handing it in person or through a courierPassing through the Gates of St. Anne (l'Ingresso Sant'Anna) on the right side of St. Peter's Colonnade (open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.);
- by fax +39 32 06698831;
- regular mailby sending to the address: Apostolic Charity, Scroll Office - 00120 Vatican (Elemosineria Apostolica, Ufficio pergamene - 00120 Città del Vaticano).
Dates of papal audiences and forms for participation in them are located at. The data form is sent to the address of the Vatican Prefecture or by fax to +39 63 06698858. It is necessary to indicate the type of audience and the number of participants. Tickets are issued at the office behind the Bronze Door, located to the right of St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro).
You can clarify the details of procedures of interest in the Vatican Prefecture by calling: +39 76 06698848, +39 14 06698831, +39 73 06698832, from 9.00 to 13.00.
Papal audiences and blessings are free.
