Remembering Pope Francis: The First Jesuit Pope & His Legacy
Could the papacy, an institution steeped in centuries of tradition, truly be reshaped by a man of seemingly paradoxical origins? The death of Pope Francis on April 21, at the age of 88, marked not just the end of a pontificate, but the culmination of a profound shift in the Catholic Church, a shift brought about by the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. His legacy is now being assessed in the light of his impact on the church.
The upcoming funeral, scheduled for April 26, will serve as a moment of collective mourning and reflection on a pontificate that redefined the papacy in many ways. Pope Francis's life and work represent a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. As the first Jesuit to assume the role of Pope, he embodied a unique tension within the institution of the papacy and the broader history of the Society of Jesus.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024, Vatican City |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination | Priest: December 13, 1969; Bishop: June 27, 1992; Cardinal: February 21, 2001 |
| Papal Election | March 13, 2013 |
| Previous Positions | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal (2001-2013) |
| Notable Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, environmentalism (Laudato Si'), reform of the Vatican, outreach to marginalized communities. |
| Key Characteristics | Humility, compassion, focus on the poor and vulnerable, commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, a reformist spirit |
| Main Concerns | Climate change, poverty, migration, social injustice, safeguarding children. |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
The Society of Jesus, the religious order to which Pope Francis belonged, numbers around 15,000 priests, brothers, and novices, spread across 110 nations globally. The Pope's identification with the Jesuits, formally known as the Society of Jesus, profoundly shaped his pontificate. His selection as Pope itself represents a historic moment for the order.
Before assuming the papacy, Bergoglio's life was deeply rooted in the Jesuit tradition. His journey began with his ordination in 1969, followed by further training at the University of Alcal de Henares in Spain between 1970 and 1971. Returning to Argentina, he took on various roles, including novice master at Villa Barilari in San Miguel, professor at the Faculty of Theology, and consultor to the province of the Society of Jesus. He also served as the rector of the Colegio Mximo of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology.
In the wake of his death, numerous reflections have emerged, highlighting his unique approach to leadership. His empathetic approach was evident in his dedication to serving the impoverished and defending the rights of migrants and refugees. These causes became central to his ministry. Father James Martin, S.J., has emphasized Pope Francis's use of discernment, a key aspect of the Jesuit tradition. Discernment in the Jesuit context means prayerfully searching for the best course of action.
The historical context surrounding the Catholic Church and the Society of Jesus is also worth noting. In December 2022, the head of Pope Francis's Jesuit order acknowledged that a well-known Jesuit priest had been convicted of a severe crime within the Church. This occurred two years before the Vatican decided to shelve another case against him concerning alleged abuse of other adult women under his care. The revelations highlighted ongoing challenges within the church.
The election of Pope Francis marked a pivotal shift. He was the first pontiff elected from the Society of Jesus and brought significant changes to the Church. The Society of Jesus, a prominent religious order in the Catholic Church, with a presence in over 110 countries, encompasses approximately 15,000 priests, brothers, and novices. Their influence spans from elite universities in major cities to communities of migrants.
A poignant image from January shows Pope Francis celebrating Mass at the Jesuit church of the Ges in Rome, donning the seal of the Society of Jesus on his vestments. The mass was celebrated on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. The visual imagery underscores the deep connection between Pope Francis and the Jesuit order.
The changes that Francis brought to the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church were significant, ushering in a new era when he was elected Pope in 2013. Hailing from the Western Hemisphere, specifically South America, and the Jesuit order, Pope Francis initiated reforms, including the papal encyclical "Laudato Si'" (2015), which addressed the climate crisis. His efforts to promote unity among Catholics and non-Catholics reflected his commitment to a broader vision of the Church.
The impact of his leadership style and his dedication to service has prompted countless discussions. As Father James Martin wrote, Pope Francis entered the papacy as a Jesuit, governed as one, and died as one.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis redefined the Catholic Church through his emphasis on humility, reform, and reaching out to all communities. Ordained as a priest in 1969, Bergoglio dedicated his life to the Church, and his actions, teachings, and example leave an indelible mark.
In the last days of his life, the news of Pope Francis's death brought together over 200,000 people in St. Peter's Square on April 26. His final act underscores the widespread impact and reverence that Pope Francis had cultivated during his time in leadership.
