Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936. He studied to become a chemist but instead joined the Society of Jesus in 1958. He served as a priest and professor in Argentina. In 2013, he was elected Pope, becoming the first Pope from South America. As Pope, he chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi and his emphasis on poverty, charity, and faithfulness to Jesus.

1. Pope Francis
Jorge Mario Bergoglio

2. Elected as Bishop of Rome
13 March 2013

3. Some facts about Pope Francis
Born December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He was one of the five children born to an railway worker
(who emigrated from Turin, Italy) and his wife, a homemaker.
Originally studied to be a chemist, but changed his mind and
chose to become a Catholic priest instead. Joined the Society of
Jesus (The Jesuits), a worldwide religious order, in March 1958.
Earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology, and served as
a parish priest and professor of Literature and Psychology.
Besides his native Spanish, he also speaks Italian and German.
Many Argentinians have families who came from these
countries to settle and farm and raise families.

4. Some facts about Pope Francis
Ordained a priest on December 13, 1969.
Elected provincial (leader of his fellow Jesuits) of
Argentina, July 31, 1973.
Served as a seminary Rector (principal) in Argentina
from 1980-1986.
Ordained a Bishop on June 27, 1992.
Created a cardinal priest on February 21, 2001.

5. Some facts about Pope Francis
In solidarity with the poor in
his midst, when named
as Archbishop of Buenos Aires
in 1998, he chose to leave empty
the luxurious mansion which
housed prior archbishops –
and live in a simple apartment.
He even took the bus to work!

6. Some facts about Pope Francis
Participated in the conclave of April 2005, which
elected Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI.

7. Some facts about Pope Francis
When elected as Bishop of Rome, Francis became the
first non-European pope since the Syrian Pope
Gregory III (over 1200 years ago), and the
first South American pope ever!
He took the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of
Assisi, who founded the religious order which bears
his name in the 13th Century.
St. Francis emphasized poverty, fidelity to the
teachings of Jesus, and charity among all.

8. The Bergoglio Coat-of-Arms
The shield is sky blue, like the
Argentinian flag.
The grapes show he is a worker in
“the vineyard of the Lord.”
The “IHS” in a gold sunburst is
shorthand for Jesus, and is also a
symbol of the Society of Jesus, of
which he is a member.
His motto, Miserando atque eligendo
means “I am lowly, but chosen.”
This is a mark of humility before God.

9. A Prayer for our new Holy Father
Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff, Francis, our Pope.
May the Lord preserve him and give him life, and make him
blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of
his enemies.
O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look
mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as
shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech
Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over
whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock
committed to him, may he attain everlasting life.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.