Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936 - Jorge Mario Bergoglioin Buenos Aires and was the son of Italian immigrants. He graduated as a chemical technician obtained degrees in philosophy and theology. Before becoming a priest, he taught literature and psychology at the college level. In 1969, he was ordained a priest and after continuing his studies, made his final profession with the Jesuits. (Vatican website)
In May of 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him as Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires. In June of 1997 he became Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal in February of 2001, with the title of San Roberto Bellarmino. Of note here - he asked the faithful not to come to Rome to celebrate him becoming a cardinal - but instead to donate to the poor what they would have spent on the journey.
While Archbishop of Buenos Aires he began a project based on communication and evangelization. He had 4 main goals: open and brotherly communities, an informed laity playing a lead role, evangelization efforts addressed to every inhabitant of the city, and assistance to the poor and sick. (Vatican website) His goal was to re evangelize Buenos Aires, asking priests and lay people to work together.
During this time, Cardinal Berogoglio was becoming increasingly popular in Latin America. However, he continued his strict, ascetic lifestyle. He took part in the conclave in April 2005 where Pope Benedict XVI was elected.
He was elected Pope (the 266th Pope) on March 13. 2013 at 76 years old. He is the first Pope from the Americas, the first Latin American pope, first Jesuit pope and first pope to take the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi.
In May of 2013Pope Francis canonizes the "Martyrs of Otrano," 813 Italians beheaded in 1480 for refusing to convert to Islam. Doing this - Pope Francis proclaims more saints than any of his predecessors. 2013
July - visits the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. He denounced the "globalization of indifference" toward refugees.
July- In response to a media question about a gay priest, Pope Francis responds, "Who am I to judge?"
November - In his book, denounces the world financial system that excludes the poor and declares the Eucharist is “not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.”
2015
June - In his encyclical, "Laudato si'," Pope Francis calls for social reform of the social and global economic system.
July - While in Bolivia, Pope Francis apologizes for the Catholic Church's sins and crimes against Indigenous peoples during the colonial conquest of the Americas.
September - speaks at the Capital, encouraging Congress to act on climate change, immigration and poverty.
July- In response to a media question about a gay priest, Pope Francis responds, "Who am I to judge?"
November - In his book, denounces the world financial system that excludes the poor and declares the Eucharist is “not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.”
2016
April -In his document "Amoris laetitia," Pope Francis asks the church to meet people where they are at and to respect people's consciences when it comes to moral decisions.
2018
October -After his saint-making process was held up for decades by conservative cardinals, canonizes slain Salvadoran Archbishop Óscar Romero.
2020
March -At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis delivers a solitary evening prayer from St. Peter's Square.
2023
December -Pope Francis allows Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples so long as they do not appear to endorse their marriage.
2025
February - Pope Francis is hospitalized for bronchitis, which develops into a lung infection and pneumonia.
March - Pope Francis is released after more than a month in the hospital.
Easter Sunday - In his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis imparts the Easter Urbi et Orbi blessing at St. Peter's Basilica.
When the Pope passes away, a chain of events is set in motion that doesn't end until the start of the conclave and the election of the new pope.
Sede Vacante (Vacant See in Latin) is the period between the death of the current pop and the election of a new pope. During this time, the governance of the church is entrusted to the College of Cardinals. They are limited to only handling ordinary urgent matters, and preparing for the election of a new pope.
When the Pope dies~ the camerlengo (a cardinal who a high-ranking Vatican official and essentially the administrator of the Holy See) is responsible for confirming the pope's death. Historically, this involved calling out his name 3 times, but now, this involves medical professionals who verify the death through standard procedures. The camerlengo then destroys the papal ring (the symbol of the pope's authority) so it may no longer be used. Once all this is completed, the Vatican publicly announces the death. Flags are lowered, church bells toll, and we enter into a time of prayer and remembrance.
As the universal Church prepares for Pope Francis’ funeral, we invite you to join in prayer and remember the Holy Father. The three opportunities to celebrate Mass, all begin at 7:00pm.
TONIGHT Friday, April 25, St. James Church in Stoughton by Bishop Cristiano Barbosa
Wednesday , April 23, St. Theresa’s Parish in WestRoxbury by Archbishop Richard Henning. STREAM this Mass HERE
Thursday, April 24, Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell by Bishop Robert Hennessey
We continue this prayerful period of mourning as we entrust our Holy Father to the Lord.