Pope Francis 1 loves the poor
by Lalin Fernandopulle
| Profile |
Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?
Born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, of Italian descent.
Ordained as a Jesuit in 1969 and studied in Argentina and Germany.
Spent almost his entire career in Argentina
A Bishop in 1992
Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998
Initially trained as a chemist, Bergoglio taught literature, psychology,
philosophy and theology before taking over as Buenos Aires Archbishop in
1998.
Became Cardinal in 2001.
A contender for the Papacy at the 2005 Conclave.
Secured the second-highest votes after Joseph Ratzinger at the 2005
Papal election.
Seen as orthodox on sexual matters but strong on social justice
First Latin American and first Jesuit to become Pope, the 266th to lead
the Church.
His election took many by surprise in his home city, where many had
thought his age would go against him.
As Cardinal his sermons always had an impact in Argentina.
Often stressed social inclusion, indirectly criticising governments that
did not pay attention to those on the margins of society.
Led a humble lifestyle.
Moved freely with people, especially the poor.
Renounced comfort for the poor. |
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Pope Francis 1
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A Pope who loves the poor as Jesus Christ did was elected on Thursday
to lead the Church which urgently needs to reform and regain its
pristine glory as in the days of the early church.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina took the name Francis 1
to lead his flock in the footsteps of the Saint of Assisi who loved the
poor and heeded the call of God to reform the church.
The name of the new Pope is reminiscent of St Francis of Assisi, the
13th Century Italian reformer and patron saint of animals, who lived in
poverty. Coincidently before the election of Pope Francis a seagull
perched on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel heralding the election of a
pontiff who has the character traits of St. Francis. The saint was said
to have been summoned by God to repair a Church in ruins.
It is said that when St. Francis prayed in the wilderness birds had
perched on his hands joining him in prayer and praises to God.
St. Francis who hailed from a rich family renounced comfort to serve
the poor and bear witness to the Gospel.
Reforms
It is hoped that the new pontiff will bring about the reforms that
are urgently needed to rebuild the church that has been battered by
inappropriate behaviour by the clergy.
All eyes will be on the new shepherd and how he would lead his church
which has been rocked by sexual scandals by the church hierarchy.
The new pontiff called upon the faithful to pray for him first before
he prayed revealing his humility and simplicity - the characteristics
expected from a true shepherd.
The 76-year-old from Buenos Aires is the first Latin American and a
non-European pontiff of the Jesuit. Messages of goodwill have poured in
from around the world. The Pope’s inaugural Mass will be held next
Tuesday.
He led a simple lifestyle cooking his own meals, using public
transport sans a vehicle for himself. He had washed the feet of 12
leprosy patients and mingled with the poor in Buenos Aires.
Pope Francis replaces Benedict XVI, who resigned last month at the
age of 85, saying he was not strong enough to lead the Church.
The new Pope takes the helm at a difficult time for the Catholic
Church which, faces an array of challenges which include the role of
women, interfaith tension and dwindling congregations in some parts of
the world.
Major issues
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St. Peter’s Square |
Gay marriages, homosexuality and abortion are some of the major
issues which the new pontiff would have to deal with a renewed spirit.
Critics say that the new Pope should take an inclusive approach to
address the serious issues that had plagued the church for several
decades. The new pontiff is compassionate towards the poor but strong in
his convictions on abortion, same sex marriages and homosexuality that
people should fall line with the church’s teaching.
Church leaders and heads of religious organisations said that God had
selected a shepherd who loves the poor and would stand for their rights
and dignity.
“The new shepherd should introduce drastic reforms by calling upon
his pastors to be prophetic and missionary”, a priest said. The election
of a new Pope was signalled by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel
chimney on Wednesday evening. Pope Francis was elected in the fourth
round of elections similar to the election of Pope Benedict the VXI.
There were several contenders for the post.
There was elation on a rain-strewn St Peter’s Square as the white
smoke billowed from the rusty chimney. Brollies bounced and flags swayed
as the basilica bells rang out.
Priests and pilgrims running to catch a glimpse of their new leader
chanted “Viva il papa!” as they waited to learn his name.
And then, to trumpet fanfare, the balcony curtains parted and the new
Pope appeared to bless them - but only after he had asked them to pray
with him, and for him. The new pontiff began his address to the crowds
by offering a prayer for his predecessor.
Thunderous applause
The election was met with thunderous applause at the Cathedral in
Buenos Aires, Pope Francis’ home city.
Throughout Latin America - home to 40 percent of the world’s 1.2
billion Catholics - people reacted with delight and surprise.
“It’s a huge gift for all of Latin America. We waited 20 centuries.
It was worth the wait,” said a Franciscan friar. Argentina’s President
Christina Fernandez de Kirchner wished him a “fruitful pastoral
mission”.
Correspondents say Cardinal Bergoglio was a surprise choice and not
among a small group of frontrunners before the election. Many observers
were also expecting a younger Pope to be elected. He is regarded as a
doctrinal conservative but seen as a potential force for reform of the
Vatican bureaucracy, which may have won the support of reforming
cardinals.
Humility
However, he is best known for his humility. He has spent almost his
entire career in Argentina and often travels to work by bus.
Many said that the new Pope is a very serious figure but down to
earth. Cardinal Bergoglio, whose family roots are Italian, came second
at the last Conclave in 2005, which elected Benedict XVI as Pope.
The 115 Cardinals in the 2013 election were in isolation since
Tuesday afternoon, and held four inconclusive votes.
At least 77 of them, or two-thirds, would have had to vote for a
single candidate for him to be elected Pope.
Before the Conclave began, there appeared to be no clear choice to
replace Benedict. |
