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The first Pope of the Americas Jorge Mario Bergoglio hails from Argentina. The 76-year-old Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires is a prominent figure throughout the continent, yet remains a simple pastor who is deeply loved by his diocese, throughout which he has travelled extensively on the underground and by bus during the 15 years of his episcopal ministry.
“My people are poor and I am one of them”, he has said more than once, explaining his decision to live in an apartment and cook his own supper. He has always advised his priests to show mercy and apostolic courage and to keep their doors open to everyone. The worst thing that could happen to the Church, he has said on various occasions, “is what de Lubac called spiritual worldliness”, which means, “being self-centred”. And when he speaks of social justice, he calls people first of all to pick up the Catechism, to rediscover the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. His project is simple: if you follow Christ, you understand that “trampling upon a person’s dignity is a serious sin”.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires Dec. 17, 1936. He earned a chemical technician’s diploma from his high school and entered the Jesuit novitiate in March 1958. As part of his Jesuit formation, he taught literature and psychology at Jesuit high schools in the mid-1960s, and he was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 13, 1969.
In 1973, he was appointed superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina. In 1992, Pope John Paul II named him an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. He was promoted to coadjutor archbishop in 1997 and became head of the archdiocese in 1998; St. John Paul II named him to the College of Cardinals three years later.
Election to the Papacy
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio the successor of St. Peter, the 266th ‘Holy Father’ (Pope) of the Catholic Church.
Upon hearing of his appointment, Archbishop George said:
“You all know that the duty of the Conclave was to give a bishop to Rome. It seems that my brother Cardinals have come almost to the ends of the Earth to get him … but here we are. I thank you for the welcome that has come from the diocesan community of Rome.”
The Pope in the Catechism of the Catholic Church
“When Christ instituted the Twelve he constituted them in the form of a college or a permanent assembly, at the head of which he placed Peter, chosen from among them. Just as by the Lord’s institution, St. Peter and the rest of the apostles constitute a single apostolic college, so in like fashion the Roman Pontiff, Peter’s successor and the bishops, the successors of the apostles, are related with and united to one another.” #880
“The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the ‘rock’ of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock. The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of apostles united to its head. This pastoral office of the Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church’s very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the pope.” #881
Pope’s Prayer Intentions 2019
January
Evangelization – Young People
That young people, especially in Latin America, follow the example of Mary and respond to the call of the Lord to communicate the joy of the Gospel to the world.
February
Universal – Victims
For a generous welcome to the victims of human trafficking, enforced prostitution, and violence.
March
Evangelization – Christian Cmmunities
That Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.
April
Universal – Workers in War Zones
For doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war zones, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.
May
Evangelization – Church in Africa
That the Church in Africa, through the commitment of its members, may be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope for the continent.
June
Evangelization – Priests
That priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively to a solidarity with those who are the most poor.
July
Universal – Justice
That those who administer justice may work with integrity and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.
August
Evangelization – Families
That families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly “schools of true human growth”.
September
Universal – Politicians, Scientists and Economists
That politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.
October
Evangelization – Holy Spirit
That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the church.
November
Universal – Communication and Reconciliation
That a spirit of dialogue, encounter and reconciliation emerges in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.
December
Universal – The Very Young
That every country resolutely commits to taking the necessary measures to make the future of the very young, especially those who suffer, a priority.
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
Become part of the Pope’s global network of prayer, joining Catholics all over the world for the intentions of the Holy Father. One Church; One Voice; Universal.
