Pope Francis represents change in Catholic traditions. On March 13, Jorge Mario
Bergoglio was named the 226th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first Pope from
the Americas, as well as being the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and
the first Pope from Europe since Syrian Gregory the Third. Pope Francis is unconventional and a
sign of change.
Pope Francis was a unique individual even in his early years. He was born in Argentina
on December 17, 1936 to Italian immigrants. He graduated school with a chemical technician
diploma, worked as a bouncer for a bar, a janitor, and ran tests in a chemical laboratory. At the
age of 21, he under went surgery to remove a part of his lung due to a serious infection. Many of
these unique experiences from his early years would later influence him as Pope and shape his
priorities.
Although Pope Francis had a history with the church, his early acts showed that he was
different. Before becoming the Pope, he was considered as pope in the pervious election. He was
a cardinal elector in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. As Pope, Francis is less
formal than any of his predecessors. Rather than live in the official papal residence, Pope Francis
lives in the Vatican guest house. He is the first pope since Pius V to live outside the papal
apartments. Pope Francis chose the name of Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi because
of his concern over the wellbeing of the poor. Pope Francis carried his unique and humble
approach to the rest of the world.
Pope Francis has taken progressive stances on several important issues. Pope Francis has
taken stances on scientific issues. For instance, according to the Independent newspaper, he
supported the big bang theory, saying that “the big bang theory, which today we hold to be the
origin of our world, does not contradict the intervention of our divine creator, but rather requires
it.” He has also taken on environmental activism and has made progressive moves on climate
change. On social issues, Pope Francis has called for forgiveness regarding abortion and divorce.
Pope Francis has set himself apart from his predecessors.
Pope Francis is unique, unconventional, and represents change. He is running the church
in a unique way and is taking on challenging issues. In conclusion, Pope Francis is a progressive
religious figure who inspires many people worldwide.