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Pope Francis and the Modernization of Catholicism

Samuel Solomon Sanders

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About the Writing

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has emerged as a revolutionary figure in the realm of Christianity, challenging traditional beliefs and practices within Catholicism. Rising from humble beginnings in Buenos Aires, Bergoglio's journey towards the papacy is marked by a steadfast dedication to humility, community outreach, and a commitment to social justice. Through his initiatives to address clerical sex abuse, promote gender equality within the Church, and advocate for optional priestly celibacy, Pope Francis is reshaping the foundations of modern Catholicism and sparking conversations about the future of faith.

The Writing

Pope Francis and the Modernization of CatholicismSamuel Solomon Sanders
00:00 / 05:14

Samuel Solomon Sanders

English 9

Archibald

May 21st, 2023

Pope Francis and the Modernization of Catholicism


Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is widely considered one of the most avant-garde figures in Christianity's history. Born on December 17th, 1936, Bergoglio rose from the poverty-stricken streets of Buenos Aires to the hallowed heights of the "richest country in the world."


Bergoglio, the son of an Italian immigrant, would spend most of his life in his home. After secondary school, he studied for a brief career in food processing, though academics, the clergy quickly became much more appealing to him. At 21, a doctor removed a section of his right lung due to pneumonia. After his brief career in chemical engineering, Bergoglio began training at the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto. In March of 1958, he turned to the Jesuit novitiate and subsequently to academics, earning the equivalent of a master's degree in philosophy and graduating a licentiate to teach literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College. He later received a degree in theology, finishing his doctoral thesis in 1986. 


Life for Bergoglio in Argentina became somewhat tumultuous during his position as head of the Jesuits. A military coup led by Lieutenant General Jorge Rafael Videla began a series of events that would involve the kidnapping and killing of 10,000 - 30,000 people in Argentina by the police and military. Bergoglio was, at one point, even brought to court for failing to prevent the kidnapping and torture of priests. He was, however, absolved of his charges. "My people are poor and I am one of them" has been repeated while explaining his reason for cooking his dinner. "I prefer a church which is bruised and dirty because it has been on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its security."


After Archbishop Ramon Jose Castellano ordained Bergoglio priest in 1969- to his mother's apprehension- he became a rector at his alma mater, Colegio of San Jose. The speed at which he rose through the ranks increased. In 1992, the Church ordained the auxiliary of Buenos Aires and the titular bishop of Auca. In February 1998, Bergoglio was named the successor of Antonio Quarracino as archbishop. During this time of Argentina's devaluation of the coin, he gained a reputation of modesty for his frugal living, deferring to a downtown apartment instead of an archbishop's residence and walking miles as opposed to a limousine. Bergoglio spent his time as archbishop over the three million inhabitants of Buenos Aires, working towards four main goals: communities of phileo, the proselytization of Christianity, providing aid to the poor and weak, and promoting actions taken by both the clergy and laity towards communion. Bergoglio was subsequently promoted to cardinal in 2001 and promoted in 2005 to president of the Bishops' Conference of Argentina. Even as Bergoglio gained traction in Latin America, his ascetic lifestyle remained unchanged.


February 2013 would mark the end of Pope Benedict XVI's reign and the start of a new one. The only question was, who's? The College of Cardinals had their eye on a certain Argentinian. However, this would not be Bergoglio's first time as a candidate for the papacy. In fact, in 2005, after the death of Pope John Paul II, he acquired the second-most votes in the papal conclave, just behind Pope Benedict XVI. After a conclave in early March of 2013, Bergoglio was elected on the fifth poll and ordained, choosing the name Francis in homage to St. Francis of Assisi and St. Francis Xavier, a founding father of the Jesuits.

During Pope Francis' relatively brief time in the papacy, he has rocked the foundations of what it means to be Christian and religious. In 2019, Pope Francis forayed into the generations-old topic of clerical sex abuse, establishing open channels directly to his office to encourage illumination of the abusive actions of bishops. In a more significant effort to promote femininity in the Church, Pope Francis went straight to the bedrock of the problem: a lack of high-stakes jobs held by women in general. As a result of this weeding of religious misogyny by Pope Francis, women were able to become full members of the dicasteries of Rome. 


In a final shocking move, Pope Francis has worked to alter the Western discipline of priestly celibacy. "There is no contradiction for a priest to marry," he has said while working towards this goal. I think celibacy is a gift to the Church."


Perhaps future efforts by the head of this radical branch of the Catholic Church will bring greater liberalism to Catholicism and its religious counterparts. However, a question slowly arises to the horror of older men: who is to say it hasn't already?




  Sources: Biography | Francis (Vatican.va)

Pope Francis - Age, Quotes & Facts (biography.com)

Francis | Biography & FaBiography | Franciscts | Britannica

Pope Francis Quotes (Author of The Name of God is Mercy) (goodreads.com)

Pope Francis: 10 Major Achievements - World History Edu

Pope Francis discusses revising priestly celibacy in new interview | Catholic News Agency

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