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Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, having been elected on March 13, 2013. Before his election as Pope, Bergoglio served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013, and was made a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He is the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
Bergoglio was born to Italian immigrants in Argentina and had a humble upbringing. He studied at the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto and entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958. He obtained a degree in philosophy from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel, and later taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe and the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires. He completed his theological studies in Buenos Aires and was ordained a priest in 1969. After his ordination, Bergoglio held several administrative roles within the Jesuits and served as the Jesuit provincial of Argentina from 1973 to 1979.
As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio was known for his humility, doctrinal conservatism, and commitment to social justice. He often emphasized themes such as the importance of family, the evils of poverty, and the need for interfaith dialogue. He lived a simple lifestyle and was often seen using public transportation.
As Pope, Francis has focused on themes like mercy, environmental stewardship, and care for the poor and marginalized. He has sought to reform the Vatican's administration and has been involved in global peace and interfaith dialogue efforts. His encyclical "Laudato Si'" addresses environmental issues and has been highly influential in the global discussion on climate change. Pope Francis has also been involved in efforts to improve relations between the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, as well as with non-Christian religions.
Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for a more inclusive Church, calling for greater pastoral care for individuals in non-traditional family situations and has shown a more open approach towards issues such as homosexuality, though without altering the Church's doctrine. His papacy is marked by a focus on mercy, social justice, and openness to dialogue, reflecting his Jesuit background and pastoral experience.
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