Francis: the Pope of simplicity and humility
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a family of Italian origin. His journey as a member of the Jesuits from 1958 and his ordination as a priest in 1969 were only the beginning of a life dedicated to simplicity, teaching and closeness to the poor. His dedication to the weak made him stand out from his first steps. In 1992 he became auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and then archbishop. In 2001 he was appointed cardinal by Saint John Paul II.
On March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected Pope, making history as the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope. Choosing the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the new Pontiff clearly demonstrated the spirit of simplicity and humility that would characterize his ministry.
Eluding luxury, he chose to live in the Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. With courage and compassion, he traveled to every corner of the world, giving voice to the voiceless and support to those marginalized: migrants, victims of war, prisoners, indigenous people and the poor. As Pope, he never tired of calling humanity to live its faith with authenticity and solidarity, avoiding clericalism.
The encyclical "Laudato si" was a landmark on the care of creation, while "Fratelli tutti" underlined the need for universal brotherhood. His councils and reforms showed his commitment to inclusion, dialogue and the renewal of the Church.
But Francis' greatest legacy is not only found in his documents and public appearances. It is found in small, human moments: in the way he greeted people with a smile, in the tenderness with which he embraced a child or an elderly person. His humility was a steadfast voice of hope in times full of controversy.
In his last text, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, he wrote: "We cannot contemplate the Heart of Christ without being moved by His compassion and without committing ourselves to live with a similar heart, open to all, especially to the little ones and the poor."
Francis leaves us with his example a Church closer to mankind, more open and more faithful to the spirit of the Gospel.
F. Luis Alberto Valerio Lemes - Ecclesiastical Representative of the Board of Directors of Caritas Athens
Photo from Pope Francis' visit to Lesbos to meet with refugees, April 2016. In the photo, Pope Francis with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
Photo: Eurokinissi / Christos Bonis.
