Biography of pope francis xviii

Theological effect of Pope Francis

Elected on 13 March 2013, Francis is the first member of the Society of Jesus to be appointed pope. He is also the first non-European to hold the office since the eighth century. Francis described his papal name as pointing to what he wants to emulate in Saint Francis of Assisi: to have a poor church for the poor, to always go out to the margins, and to show concern for the natural environment.

Francis' papal motto, Miserando atque eligendo ("by having mercy and by choosing"), contains a central theme of his papacy, God's mercy, which has led to conflict with some Catholics on issues such as the reception of Communion by remarried Catholics.

In addressing real-life situations, Francis often appeals directly to his experience, in continuity with his synodal way, which shows a renewed emphasis on listening and dialogue. He has also placed greater emphasis on church synods and on widespread consultation and dialogue, thus uplifting the roles of laypersons and of women in the Catholic church and criticizing clericalism.

Francis' concern for the poor is noted in his critiques of capitalism, his quite visible support of refugees and migrants, and his outreach to liberationist, anarchist, communist, socialist, and liberal movements in Latin America that were under a cloud during the papacy of John Paul II. Francis has also stated that he considers himself to be conservative.

His apostolic exhortation, Evangelii gaudium (Joy of the Gospel), released eight months after his election, has been described as programmatic and "a core document of this pontificate" which, in his own words, purports to point out "new paths for the Church's journey for years to come". He has become known, also, for his "sharp and unscripted remarks".

Vatican II revisited

Pope Francis i

Brief biographies of the popes from St. Peter to St. John Paul II

ST. PETER

The first Pope was a Galilean fisherman named Simon. He was from Bethsaida on the lake of Genesareth. He and his brother Andrew had been attracted by St. John the Baptist. When the Baptist directed them to Christ, Jesus saw in Simon a man of destiny. He saw in the rough fisherman the rock on which He would build His Church, and so He called Simon "Peter," which means rock. Later, Jesus in a scene of historic importance solemnly commissioned Peter.

"And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?

"But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

"Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?

"Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.

"And Jesus answering said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but My Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven." (Matthew 16:13-19.)

Peter had made a great act of faith and had been given a great responsibility. He was to be the Vicar of Christ on earth, the first Pope.

Yet Peter fell: in a moment of weakness he denied Jesus; but he was quick to repent. With bitter sorrow he mourned his shameful sin, and Jesus forgave him utterly as only God can forgive. He favored Peter with a special apparition in the glory of the first Easter. He ratified and confirmed the appointment of Peter as first Pope when He gave Peter the charge to feed His flock, lambs and sheep alike.

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