May 2023 Articles

On the Front Lines: How Pope Francis Leads the Catholic Church

 Robert Shalhoub, Grade 8


Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. His real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and he is the son of Regina María Sívori and Mario José Bergoglio.  He is the first Latin American pope and a well-known figure traveling worldwide to help and heal as many people as possible. 


When he was a child, his father worked at the railways while his mother focused on caring for him and his four siblings. He graduated as a chemical technician but chose the path to priesthood instead. Pope Francis once mentioned that he was attracted to this mission because he felt that this position was on the “front lines” and grounded in obedience and discipline.


He was ordained a priest in 1969 by Ramón José Castellano. Then, more than three decades later, he became a Cardinal by John Paul II.  Pope Francis officially became the leader of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. Pope Francis chose his name to represent St. Francis of Assisi which sent an immediate signal that his goal was to unite the Catholic Church.  Today, Pope Francis is one of the leading roles in the Catholic community. He inspires many people and is always on the front lines to help needy people.


Pope Francis is a leader known for many great deeds, but he is most recognized for caring for those in need. Over the years, he has protected many refugees and invited more people to the Church. Pope Francis has changed how to evangelize, calling it a daily responsibility and saying it must be about acceptance, not rules.  In fact, according to Pope Francis, all good people will go to Heaven no matter their religious beliefs.  With his love and kind attitude, Pope Francis will always be cherished in the hearts of all Catholics and be remembered as one of the best popes in the history of the Church.