Pope Francis turns 88

He Pope Francis celebrates his 88th birthday this Tuesday. Born on December 17, 1936 in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Flores, the Argentine built, since his election as Supreme Pontiff in 2013, a legacy characterized by his charisma, humility and a process of opening of the Catholic Church, in the search for an institution closer to the faithful.

The birthday day began with a special mass in the Sistine Chapel, located in the Vatican, where close collaborators and friends of the Pope gathered to pray for his health and well-being. During his speech, the Argentine left a message for future generations and urged them not to give in to “contaminated work contextss” in which they are required to “do whatever it takes to make everything go well” and in which the only objectives with “to obtain social prestige or money.”

Pope Francis celebrated his birthday in the Sistine Chapel

On his 88th birthday, the Argentine starred in a special mass in the Sistine Chapel where he left a heartfelt message for the new generations and their relationship with the world of work. “We are ‘unique pieces’, let’s help each other remember it“, is the exhortation that Pope Francis reserved for the participants in the third edition of “LaborDì”, the project aimed at “promoting and putting decent work at the center” organized by the Christian Association of Italian Workers (ACLI) of Rome.

Along these lines, Francisco assured that each one may “have wasted good opportunities,” but they should never tire of leaving their “dens“: those shelters built when they arise”confusion and threats“.

“We are made for light, for the outdoors. Thus, once you have passed adolescence, the stage of the world opens before you. It may seem crowded and distracted when you arrive; and yet, your contribution is still missing, what has always been expected of you. With you – and I would like to say to each one: with you – the new enters the world. Everything, really everything can change,” the Supreme Pontiff told those present.

Furthermore, the Argentine added: “You know your heart: guard it! It may be scary sometimes and you can pretend you’re not sorry, but it’s still ours, inviolable.. We can always go back there. And there, if you have the gift of faith, you know that God is waiting for you with infinite patience.”

Regarding the world of work, Francisco warned that there is a risk of becoming cogs in a machine “where those who They have power they could do anything with us“. A model contrary to this alienation is that of the ACLI, where “the intuitions of the heart” are transformed into “social bonds.”

Finally, the Supreme Pontiff thanked the adults present and invited them not to bend young people “to the reasons of existence.” “Let’s not corrupt the novelty“, he assured and urged to believe “in what is sown in their hearts.”

The story of Pope Francis

Son of Piedmontese immigrants who arrived in Argentina in the early years of the 20th century, Jorge Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936 in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Flores.. His father, Mario, was an accountant, while his mother, Regina Sívori, took care of the house and the children’s education. five children in the family.

Before choosing the path of the priesthood, Bergoglio was a chemical technician. At the age of 20 he underwent a lung operationExcept for slightly limiting his breathing capacity, it does not affect his quality of life. After this experience, and the key intervention of a nurse who cared for him, The young Argentine decided to become a priest.

On March 11, 1958 he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus. In 1963 he obtained a degree in philosophy and in 1969 he received priestly ordination, while a year later, in 1970, he obtained a degree in Theology.

His first major ecclesiastical position came in 1998 when he assumed Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Later, in 2001, He was created cardinal by Saint John Paul II. Part of the Jesuit order, during this stage he distinguished himself for his simple lifestyle close to the faithful. It was common to see Bergoglio travel on public transportation wearing a cassock and confess in the Buenos Aires Cathedral like any priest.

Few know that Francis was close to reaching the Vatican summit before 2013. During the 2005 Conclave, where the successor of Pope John Paul II was elected, Bergoglio was considered as one of the main options.

In times of tension in the Church – immersed in corruption and pedophilia scandals after the Boston Globe investigation – Joseph Ratzinger and Jorge Bergoglio disputed his accession to the throne of Saint Peter. However, in a gesture of unity, Francis asked that they not vote for him so that a successor to John Paul II could be quickly found.

But destiny seemed to be written for the Argentine and the March 13, 2013 he was elected Pope and became the first American, Jesuit and Spanish speaker to succeed Saint Peter.. He chose to be called Francisco in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of peace, austerity and service to the poor.

During his pontificate he published four encyclicals and canonized more than 900 saints including Saint John Paul II, Saint John XXIII, Saint Paul VI and Saint Teresa of Calcutto. His work focused on the importance of mercy, synodality, going out to encounter within the Church and an openness to the new currents of youth.