Pope Francis
Pope Francis was the 266th successor of , the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America. Elected in 2013, he guided the Church toward . His mission was not easy, and he often emphasized his need for the prayers of the faithful to fulfill his duties. His messages aimed to deepen our faith, help us love Christ and His Church more fully, and serve our neighbors. Explore the spirituality of this and his teachings for the 21st century.
Biography of Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Early Life
Before taking the name Francis in honor of , the Pope was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents, Mario and Regina. The eldest of five children, he grew up bilingual in Spanish and Piedmontese. Despite fragile health, including a severe respiratory illness and lung surgery at 21, he pursued seminary studies while earning a chemistry technician diploma.
Serving the Church in Latin America
After completing his thesis in Germany and serving as a spiritual director in Córdoba, Cardinal Quarracino invited him to collaborate. On November 20, 1992, appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. He later became Archbishop and, in 2001, a cardinal. Known for his humility, he prioritized and fostering fraternity in Argentina and across Latin America.
Successor of Peter
In February 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, the conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope. Taking the name Francis, he honored Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for the poor and . His simplicity and closeness to the faithful distinguished his papacy, as did his profound teachings.
The Spirituality of Pope Francis
Formed by Saint Ignatius of Loyola
As a member of , founded in 1540 by , Pope Francis embodied Jesuit spirituality. Jesuits seek Christ daily in the world, living vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. His book The Art of Discernment reflects his deep engagement with Ignatian spiritual exercises.
His Exhortations
Through travels, audiences, encyclicals, and apostolic exhortations, Pope Francis delivered urgent messages: "Get off the couch, put down your phone... Live the great dream God has for you: holiness." He challenged believers to reevaluate their lives, embrace Christ, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and Mary’s intercession.
Devotion to Mary
Pope Francis entrusted his papacy and global concerns to Mary, notably through pilgrimages to Marian shrines like Fatima. In 2013, he consecrated humanity to , and in 2022, he renewed the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to her Immaculate Heart. His simple prayers for world peace remain a model: "Gather us under your protection and deliver us all to your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ."
Key Messages of Pope Francis
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized God’s mercy, declaring a Jubilee Year of Mercy (2015–2016) and encouraging devotion to and . His encyclicals and exhortations, such as Fratelli Tutti, Amoris Laetitia, Laudato Si', Laudate Deum, and Christus Vivit, called believers to love neighbors, care for creation, and encounter the living Christ.
A Prayer for the Successor of Peter
As members of the Church of Rome, Catholics are called to pray for the Holy Father. Here is a prayer for Pope Francis:
Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Francisco.
Let us pray for our Holy Father Pope Francis.
Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terram, et non tradat eum in manus inimicorum ejus.
May the Lord preserve him, give him life, bless him on earth, and deliver him not into the hands of his enemies.
V. Tu es Petrus.
V. You are Peter.
R. Et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam.
R. And upon this rock, I will build my Church.
Let us pray:
O God, who in your wisdom chose your servant Francis as the successor of Peter, grant that he may confirm his brothers in faith, unite your Church in love, and lead all humanity to eternal truth and life. Amen.
With Hozana, Discover Inspiring Figures and Pray for the Church
The Church’s richness lies in its members—laity and clergy alike. Explore communities dedicated to figures like and , both elevated by Pope Francis. Respond to his call to deepen your faith through Ignatian spiritual exercises or .
