There were times when there was no church organization, cult, dogma, there was no officials. From the masses of ordinary believers came prophets and preachers, teachers and apostles. They were the ones who replaced the priests. They were believed to be endowed with power and capable of teaching, prophecy, performing miracles, and even healing. Any adherent could call himself a charismatic Christian faith. Such a person often even managed the affairs of the community if a certain number of like-minded people joined him. Only by the middle of the 2nd century did bishops gradually begin to direct all affairs of Christian communities.

Name "Dad" (from Greek word- father, mentor) appeared in the 5th century. At the same time, according to the edict of the Emperor of Rome, all bishops were subject to the papal court.

The pinnacle of the power of papal power was a document that appeared in 1075, called the “Dictate of the Pope.”

Papacy in different periods Its history has experienced dependence on emperors, as well as their governors, on French kings, even on barbarians, a schism in the church that forever divided all adherents of Christianity into Orthodox and Catholics, the strengthening of power and the rise of the papacy, and the Crusades.

Who deserved this high rank"The Pope"? A list of these people is presented to your attention in the article.

The temporal power of the Pope

Until 1870 inclusive, the Popes were the rulers of multiple territories in Italy, which was called the Papal States.

The Vatican became the Seat of the Holy See. Today there is no smaller state in the world, and it is completely located within the boundaries of Rome.

Heads the Holy See, and therefore the Vatican, Rome). He is elected for life by the conclave (College of Cardinals).

The power of the Pope in the Church

In the Catholic Church, the pontiff has full power. It does not depend on the influence of any person.

He has the right to make laws, called canons, which are binding on the church, to interpret and change them, even to repeal them. They are combined into codices First - 451.

In the church, the Pope also has apostolic authority. He controls the purity of doctrine and spreads the faith. He has the authority to convene a meeting and approve the decisions he has made, postpone or dissolve the council.

The pontiff has judicial power in the church. It hears cases as a first instance. It is prohibited to appeal against my father’s verdict in a secular court.

And finally, as the highest executive power, he has the right to establish bishoprics and liquidate them, to appoint and remove bishops. He ordains saints and blessed ones.

Sovereign papal power. And this is very important, since the rule of law allows us to maintain and maintain order.

Pope: list

The oldest of the lists is given in the treatise of Irenaeus of Lyons “Against Heresies” and ends in the year 189, when Pope Eleutherius died. It is recognized as reliable by most researchers.

In the list of Eusebius, which was brought up to the year 304, when he completed his earthly path Pope Marcellinus, contains information about the time of accession of each pontiff to the throne and the duration of their pontificates.

So who was awarded the title "Pope"? The list, with corrections in the Roman edition, was compiled by Pope Liberius and appears in his Catalog. And here, in addition to the names of each bishop, starting with St. Peter, and the duration of the pontificates with the greatest possible accuracy (to the day), there are other details, such as the dates of the consulates, the name of the emperor who ruled during these periods. Liberius himself died in 366.

Researchers note that the chronology of papal reigns up to 235 was obtained, for the most part, by calculations, and therefore their historical value is in doubt.

For a long time, the most authoritative of the lists was the Book of Popes, which contains descriptions up to and including Pope Honorius, who died in 1130. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that the Catalog of Pope Liberius became a source of information about the Popes of the early periods.

Is there an exact list of people who have been awarded the title "Pope"? The list was compiled by many historians. They were influenced by developing history, as well as the author’s point of view on the canonical legitimacy of a particular election or deposition. Moreover, the pontificates of ancient popes usually began counting from the moment when their ordination as bishops took place. With the later custom that existed until the ninth century, when Popes were crowned, the period of reign began to be calculated from the moment of coronation. And later, from the pontificate of Gregory VII - from the election, that is, from the moment when the Pope received rank. There were pontiffs who were elected, or even proclaimed themselves as such, in defiance of the fact that they were canonically elected.

Popes are wicked

In the history of the Vatican, which dates back more than 2000 years, there are not only blank blank pages, and Popes are not always and not all standards of virtue and righteous people. The Vatican recognized the pontiffs as thieves, libertines, usurpers, warmongers.

At all times, no Pope had the right to remain aloof from the politics of European countries. Perhaps that is precisely why some of them used its methods, often quite cruel, and as the most wicked, remained in the memory of their contemporaries.

• Stephen VI (VII - in separate sources).

They say that he did more than just “inherit.” On his initiative, a trial was held in 897, which was later called the “corpse synod.” He ordered the exhumation and put on trial the corpse of Pope Formosus, who was not just his predecessor, but also an ideological opponent. The accused, or rather, the corpse of the pontiff, already half-decomposed, was seated on the throne and interrogated. It was a terrible court hearing. Pope Formosus was accused of treachery, and his election was declared invalid. And even this sacrilege seemed not enough to the pontiff, and the accused’s fingers were cut off and then dragged through the city streets. He was buried in a grave with foreigners.

By the way, at this very time an earthquake occurred, the Romans took it as a sign given to them from above to overthrow the Pope.

• John XII.

The list of charges is impressive: adultery, sale of church lands and privileges.

The fact of his adultery with many different women, among them his father’s partner and his own niece, is recorded in the chronicles of Liutprand of Cremona. He was even deprived of his life by the woman’s husband, who caught him in bed with her.

• Benedict IX.

He turned out to be the most cynical pontiff without any morality, “the devil from hell in the guise of a priest.” The far from complete list of his acts includes rape, sodomy, and organizing orgies.

It is also known about the Pope's attempts to sell the throne, after which he again dreamed of power and planned to return to it.

• Urban VI.

He initiated the Schism in the Roman Catholic Church in 1378. For almost forty years those who fought for the throne were at enmity. He was a cruel man, a real despot.

• John XXII.

It was he who decided that he could make good money from the remission of sins. Forgiveness for more serious sins cost more.

• Leo X.

A direct follower of the work begun by John XXII. He considered the “tariffs” to be low and in need of increasing. Now it was enough to fuck off a large amount, and the sins of a murderer or one who committed incest were easily forgiven.

• Alexander VI.

A man with a reputation as the most immoral and scandalous Pope. He earned such fame through debauchery and nepotism. He was called a poisoner and an adulterer, and was even accused of incest. They say that he even got the position of Pope through bribery.

To be fair, it should be noted that there are plenty of unfounded rumors around his name.

Popes who were brutally murdered

The history of the church is rich in bloodshed. Many ministers of the Catholic Church became victims of brutal murders.

• October 64 St. Peter.

Saint Peter, as the legend goes, chose to die the death of a martyr, like his teacher Jesus. He expressed a desire to be crucified on the cross, only head down, and this undoubtedly increased the suffering. And after his death he became revered as the first Pope of Rome.

• Saint Clement I.

(from 88 to 99)

There is a legend according to which he, while in exile in the quarries, practically performed a miracle with the help of prayer. Where the prisoners were suffering from unbearable heat and thirst, a lamb appeared out of nowhere, and a spring gushed out of the ground in that very place. The ranks of Christians were replenished by those who witnessed the miracle, among them convicts and local residents. And Clementius was executed by the guards, an anchor was tied to his neck and the corpse was thrown into the sea.

• Saint Stephen I.

He served only 3 years as pontiff when he had to fall victim to the discord that engulfed the Catholic Church. Right in the middle of his sermon, he was beheaded by soldiers serving Emperor Valerian, who was persecuting Christians. The throne, which was drenched in his blood, was kept by the church until the 18th century.

• Sixtus II.

He repeated the fate of his predecessor, Stephen I.

• John VII.

By the way, he was the first among the Popes to be born into a noble family. He was beaten to death by the woman's husband when he caught them in bed.

• John VIII.

He is considered almost the greatest church figure in history. Historians associate his name primarily with a large number political intrigues. And it is not surprising that he himself became their victim. It is known that he was poisoned and received a strong blow to the head with a hammer. It remained a mystery what the true reason for his murder was.

• Stephen VII.

(from May 896 to August 897)

He became notorious for the trial of Pope Formosus. The Corpse Synod clearly did not receive the approval of Catholic supporters. He was eventually imprisoned, where he was later executed.

• John XII.

He became a dad at eighteen. And to most he was a leader, inspiring and godly. At the same time, he did not disdain theft and incest, he was a player. He is even credited with involvement in political assassinations. And he himself died at the hands of a jealous husband, who caught him and his wife in bed in his house.

• John XXI.

This pontiff is also known to the world as a scientist and philosopher. Philosophical and medical treatises came from his pen. He died some time after the roof collapsed in the new wing of his palace in Italy, in his own bed, from his injuries.

About some representatives of the papacy

He had to lead the church during the Second World War. He chose a very cautious position in relation to Hitlerism. But on his orders, Catholic churches sheltered Jews. And how many Vatican representatives helped Jews escape from concentration camps by issuing them new passports. The Pope used all possible means of diplomacy for these purposes.

Pius XII never hid his anti-Sovietism. In the hearts of Catholics, he will remain the pope who proclaimed the dogma of the Ascension of Our Lady.

The pontificate of Pius XII ends the "era of the Pii".

The first Pope with a double name

The first Pope in history to choose a double name for himself, which he made up from the names of his two predecessors. John Paul I innocently admitted that he lacked the education of one and the wisdom of the other. But he wanted to continue their work.

He was nicknamed “The Cheerful Papa Curia” because he constantly smiled, even laughed uninhibitedly, which was even unusual. Especially after the serious and gloomy predecessor.

Protocol etiquette became an almost unbearable burden for him. Even in the most solemn moments, he expressed himself very simply. Even his enthronement was carried out sincerely. He refused the tiathra, walked to the altar, did not sit in the chesatorium, and the roar of the cannon was replaced by the sounds of the choir.

His pontificate lasted only 33 days until he suffered a myocardial infarction.

Pope Francis

(from 2013 to now)

The first pontiff from the New World. This news was joyfully received by Catholics throughout the world. He gained fame as a brilliant speaker and talented leader. Pope Francis is intelligent and deeply educated. He is concerned about a variety of issues: from the possibility of a third world war to illegitimate children, from interethnic relations to sexual minorities. Pope Francis is a very humble man. He refuses luxury apartments, a personal chef, and doesn’t even use the “daddy car.”

Pilgrim Dad

Pope, the last one born in the 19th century, and the last one to be crowned with a tiara. Later this tradition was abolished. He established the Synod of Bishops.

Because he condemned contraception and artificial birth control, he was accused of conservatism and retrogradeness. It was during his reign that priests received the right to celebrate mass facing the people.

And he was nicknamed the “Pilgrim Pope” because he personally visited each of the five continents.

Founder of the Catholic Action movement

Dad restored old tradition, when from the balcony of the palace he addressed the believers with a blessing. This was the first act of the pontiff. He became the founder of the Catholic Action movement, designed to bring to life the principles of Catholicism. He established the feast of Christ the King and defined the principles of the doctrine of family and marriage. He did not condemn democracy, like many of his predecessors. It was under the Lateran Agreements, signed by the Pope in February 1929, that the Holy See acquired sovereignty over the territory of 44 hectares, known to this day as the Vatican, a city-state with all its attributes: coat of arms and flag, banks and currency, telegraph, radio, newspaper, prison, etc.

The Pope has repeatedly condemned fascism. Only death prevented him from once again making an angry speech.

Conservative Pontiff

He is considered a conservative pontiff. He categorically does not accept homosexuality, contraception and abortion, and genetic experiments. He was against the ordination of women as priests, homosexuals and married men. He alienated Muslims by speaking disrespectfully about the Prophet Muhammad. And although he later apologized for his words, mass protests among Muslims could not be avoided.

First Pope of a united Italy

He was a versatile and educated man. Dante quoted from memory and wrote poetry in Latin. He was the first to open access to some archives for those studying in Catholic educational institutions, but at the same time he left the results of the research, their publication and content under personal control.

He became the first in a united Italy. He died the same year he celebrated a quarter century since his election. The longest-liver among popes lived for 93 years.

Gregory XVI

He had to take the throne when a revolutionary movement arose and grew in Italy, which was headed by the Pope, who had a very negative attitude towards the doctrine of liberalism, which was being promoted in France at that time, and condemned the December uprising in Poland. He died of cancer.

Everyone knows that the residence of the Pope is in Rome. But it wasn't always like this. King Philip the Fair of France, who was in conflict with the clergy, placed a new residence at the disposal of the popes in Avignon in 1309. The Captivity of Avignon lasted for about seventy years. Seven pontiffs were replaced during this time. The papacy returned to Rome only in 1377.

The Pope has always strived to improve the relationship between Christianity and Islam and is known to everyone for his active actions in this direction. He was the first Pope to visit the mosque, and even prayed in it. And having completed the prayer, he kissed the Koran. This happened in 2001 in Damascus.

On traditional Christian icons Round halos are depicted above the heads of the saints. But there are canvases with halos of other shapes. For example, triangular - for God the Father, symbolizing the Trinity. And the heads of popes who have not yet died are decorated with rectangular halos.

There is a stainless steel ball on the TV tower in Berlin. The cross is reflected on it in the bright rays of the sun. This fact has given rise to several witty nicknames, and "the Pope's revenge" is one of them.

On the throne of the Pope there is a cross, but inverted. It is known that Satanists use this symbol, and it is also found among black metal bands. But Catholics know him as: after all, it was on the inverted cross that he wished to be crucified, considering it unworthy for himself to die like his Teacher.

Everyone in Russia knows Pushkin’s “The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish,” adults and children. But does everyone know that there is another one called “The Fisherman and His Wife” and it was created by the famous storytellers the Brothers Grimm. For the Russian poet, the old woman returned to nothing when she wished to become the mistress of the sea. But for Grimm she became the Pope. When I wanted to become God, I was left with nothing.

Pope Francis is the 266th head of the Catholic Church, who became the first ever pontiff from the New World and a Jesuit pope. He is known to the world as a multifaceted, but very modest person who, in addition to his main responsibilities on the throne, makes a significant contribution to solving world problems, and also acts as a mediator in the normalization of relations with the Orthodox clergy in different countries.

Childhood and youth

Pope Francis was born (in the world Jorge Mario Bergoglio) on December 17, 1936 in the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, in the family of emigrants Regina Maria Sivori and Mario Giuseppe Bergoglio, Italians by nationality. He became the fifth and last child of parents who raised their children with love and care, but in strict modesty, since the only breadwinner in the family was his father, who was a simple worker on the railroad.

Anuario Colegio Don Bosco

As a child, the future head of the Catholic Church was a generous, kind-hearted and generous boy, so he tried to take all the most valuable things out of the house and give them to those in need, for which he was repeatedly punished by his parents. Then Jorge Mario Bergoglio's mother realized that her son would be a child of God, because he was polite to absolutely anyone, showing kindness without feigned vanity.

Despite this, Bergoglio received his first education at one of the universities in Buenos Aires, where he studied chemistry. Having received a diploma as a chemical engineer, Pope Francis entered the seminary and, at the age of 22, accepted the male clergy of the Order of the Roman Catholic Church.

The period of novitiate (novitiate) took place in Chile, after which Jorge returned to his hometown and entered the College of St. Joseph, from where he graduated as a licentiate (academician) in philosophy.

Until 1969, Bergoglio worked teaching activities at Catholic colleges in Buenos Aires - he taught students literature, philosophy and theology. According to the Pope, in his early youth, before he felt the desire and ability to involve people in the church, he had to work as a cleaner, laboratory assistant and even a bouncer in a nightclub in Argentina.

Cardinality

At the age of 33, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained a priest, after which he continued teaching - he became a professor in the Faculty of Theology at the College of San Miguel. After 10 years, having conquered the leaders of the Jesuit Society with his perfect knowledge, unpretentiousness and perseverance, the future pontiff was promoted to rector of the Seminary of St. Joseph, and after 6 years he defended his doctoral dissertation in Germany and was appointed to the post of spiritual director of the Archdiocese of Cordoba.

Casa Rosada

In 1992, the future head of the Catholic Church was ordained bishop, and in 1997 he was appointed coadjutor, that is, heir to the diocese. Then he showed all his leadership talent, revealed the qualities of a true father of the church, as well as boundless modesty, for which he was elevated to archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2001, Archbishop Bergoglio received the parish of St. Robert Bellarmine and was elevated to cardinal, becoming the highest clergyman of the Catholic Church after the pope.

Having reached a kind of church Olympus, the future Pope Francis took up several administrative posts in the “ministries” of the Vatican - he became a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, became a member of the Congregation for the Clergy and Church Property, as well as the Pontifical Council for the Family.

In 2005, after the death of Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Bergoglio was summoned to the Vatican as a papabile (contender to the throne), but was unable to defeat his main “rival” for the post of head of the Catholic Church, Joseph Ratzinger.

After this, he was appointed head of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, thereby gaining international prestige and leadership among the cardinals. In 2013, after Benedict XVI abdicated the papacy for the first time in 600 years, Cardinal Bergoglio again went to the conclave as a candidate and this time became the leader of the vote.

Pope Francis

The enthronement of the new Pope took place on March 19, 2013. Cardinal Bergoglio took the name Francis for the first time in the history of the papacy and became the first head of the Catholic Church from the New World with the Jesuit order. Catholics received the news with great delight that the modest Cardinal Bergoglio from Latin America had been chosen as their shepherd.

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Pope Francis

Having become the “president” of the Vatican, Pope Francis remained an unassuming and socially just man. He is very easy to communicate with people and adheres to the “correct”, according to society, positions on social and moral issues. The high priest's washing of the feet of migrants with AIDS and lunch with the homeless were actively discussed in the press and on the Internet.

The meeting of the pope with the leaders of South Sudan shocked not only the flock, but also atheists. As the media watched, he knelt down and kissed the feet of the president, four vice presidents and the leader of the opposition in gratitude for their signing of a peace treaty that ended 20 years of bloodshed in that country.

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The head of the Catholic Church is strongly opposed to abortion and euthanasia, and is against it, supporting Catholic traditionalism. Nevertheless, his statement was subjected to merciless criticism:

“If someone is homosexual and seeks the Lord with good intentions, who am I to judge them?”

And the speech on the Armenian genocide, delivered by Pope Francis during a mass to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the event, caused outrage from Turkish President Recep Erdogan just by using the term “genocide.”

After the abdication of Benedict XVI, who occupied the papacy for 8 years, from the rank of Pope came into force on the last day of February 2013 (for the first time in 600 years!), the question arose of appointing a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Traditions of electing a pontiff

According to the canons Catholic Church the period of time between the abdication of the current Pope (and often from the moment of his death) until the election of a new one is called Sede Vacante.

Usually this period does not exceed 20 days (in the 20th century there was not a single case with a longer period of time). However, the then-incumbent Pope in 1996 adopted an apostolic constitution called Universi Dominici Gregis, which adjusted the process of electing the Roman pontiff. According to the document, a conclave cannot be convened earlier than 15 and later than 20 days from the moment the throne is declared vacant. No more than 120 cardinals under the age of 80 can take part in the vote. The final election of the Pope is considered valid if one of the candidates wins two-thirds of the votes, but no more than 4 votes can be held per day.

Francis - Pope: how it happened

On the eve of the election of the new Pope, on February 25, Benedict XVI made changes to the statutes to speed up the election of a successor, and on March 4, a meeting of members of the General Congregation of Cardinals was held in the Vatican, as a result of which a date was set for voting for a new pontiff.

On March 12, 2013, in the world-famous place where voting traditionally takes place, a conclave of 115 cardinals gathered, the purpose of which was to elect the post of Pope. The abdicated throne did not take part in the meeting, which lasted 2 days.

On the first day, the conclave failed to elect a new Pope, and as a sign of this, black smoke came out of the chapel chimney. The second vote also did not determine Benedict XVI's successor, and again the pilgrims saw black smoke. The next day the vote gave positive result, and at 19:05 white smoke appeared from the chimney - evidence of a successfully completed vote.

At 20:05, parishioners heard from Cardinal Protodeacon Jean-Louis Tauran the traditional phrase on such occasions: Habemus papam (which means “we have a Pope”). He proclaimed 76-year-old Jorge Maria Bergoglio Vicar of Christ. After this, Francis, the Pope of Rome, who took his name in honor of his beloved Saint Francis of Assisi, came out onto the balcony. In addition, adherents of Franciscanism profess the covenants of goodness and brotherhood, which was also adhered to by Jorge Maria Bergoglio. He was the first representative of the New World, or more precisely, Argentina, in the history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis: biography

The newly elected head was born in December 1936 to Italian immigrants living in Buenos Aires. Despite his origins (Jorge Mario came from a working-class family), he devoted his life to serving the Lord.

He first studied chemistry at one of the universities in Buenos Aires, and then studied at the seminary in Villa Devoto. Upon completion of his studies, in 1958, Bergoglio joined the ranks of the Jesuits. At the age of 33, the future Pope Francis was ordained. Jorge Mario's main occupation was teaching theology, philosophy and literature at the university. In the 1970s, the current Pope Francis 1, having impressed the leaders of the Jesuit Society with his activities, became provincial of Argentina, and in the 1980s received the post of rector of the Seminary of St. Joseph.

Francis' career

Moving higher and higher career ladder, in 1992 Bergoglio was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and later consecrated bishop.

The dedication ceremony took place at cathedral cities. Jorge Mario received the title from Cardinal Antonio Quarracino.

1998 brought Bergoglio a new title - this time he received the title of Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and after 3 years he was elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II himself.

In the 2005 elections, the name of Jorge Mario Bergoglio appeared on the so-called “papabile” - the list of main contenders for the papal throne. However, the choice fell on Benedict XVI.

Francis, the Pope, is known as a multifaceted man with a comprehensive conservative education. In addition to Spanish, he is fluent in German and Italian. The pontiff is known for speaking out against the legalization of euthanasia, abortion, marriages between supporters of sexual minorities and the adoption of children by such couples. This is the first Jesuit to head the papal throne.

What is he like, the new pontiff?

Francis leads a modest lifestyle.

While living in his hometown, even when he was already an archbishop, Bergoglio went to church by metro and lived in a modest one-room apartment.

After the invitation to Rome, he took only one suitcase, with which he began the journey to a new life.

Some astrologers and predictors claim that Francis is the last Pope, after whose death two Suns will appear in the sky and all living things will die. This is allegedly evidenced by some of the prophecies of Nostradamus. However, skeptics highly doubt such versions.

In Buenos Aires (Argentina) in a family of Italian emigrants.

On December 13, 1969, Bergoglio was ordained a priest and was later appointed professor of theology at the College of San Miguel in Buenos Aires.

In the 1970s, he held various positions in the Jesuit Order of Argentina.

From 1973 to 1979 he was the provincial superior of the Jesuits of Argentina.

In 1980-1986 he was rector of St. Joseph's College and served as parish priest in San Miguel.

In March 1986 he went to Germany to complete his doctoral dissertation. Upon returning to Argentina, he was confessor and spiritual director of the Archdiocese of Cordoba.

On May 20, 1992, by decision of Pope John Paul II, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires with the title of titular bishop of Auca, and on June 27 of the same year he was consecrated bishop in the Cathedral of Buenos Aires.

On June 3, 1997, he was appointed coadjutor (bishop with the right of succession to the diocese) of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

On February 28, 1998, after the death of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Antonio Quarracino became his successor. At the same time he was appointed Ordinary of the Catholics Eastern rite in Argentina, who did not have their own prelate.

On February 21, 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated Bergoglio to the rank of cardinal. He received the title of the Church of St. Robert Bellarmine.

As Cardinal Bergoglio was a member of the Congregation for the Clergy, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

In 2005-2011 he headed the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Argentina.

Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires was elected Pope under the name Francis.

He took the papal name Francis - as in, because St. Francis of Assisi was known for his concern for the poor.

The enthronement of Pope Francis took place at the Vatican.

Pope Francis speaks fluent Italian and German.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church is distinguished by modesty and immutability in his own principles. He is a fan of Argentine writers Jorge Luis Borges and Leopoldo Marechal, as well as Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. He loves opera and football, and is a fan of the San Lawrence club, which plays in the top division of the Argentine championship.

Pope Francis was named "Person of the Year" by American Time magazine.

Pope Francis became the first religious leader to be included in the 2013 list of influential people compiled in China.

The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources

Pope Francis is the Supreme Ruler of the Holy See and sovereign of the Vatican. He was previously a cardinal and archbishop of Buenos Aires. His secular name– Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

He is a member of the Society of Jesus, who renounced worldly goods at the age of 23, the only pope in history to be the primate of this ascetic monastic order and the first from America, from the Southern Hemisphere and not from Europe (since the reign of Gregory III of Syria in the 8th century).

Childhood and youth

The head of the Catholics was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the oldest of 5 children of an emigrant from Italy and a native of the Argentine capital of Italian descent. His father was a railroad worker, his mother a housewife.

As a child, Jorge was a respectful and kind boy. After school, he studied at a technical college and defended his diploma in chemistry. Then he worked in his specialty in a chemical laboratory and worked as a bouncer in a night bar.

At the age of 21, he suffered a serious illness - life-threatening pneumonia and the removal of part of his lung. Having practically been resurrected, he wanted to devote himself to serving God. In 1958 he joined the Society of Jesus. As a novice (novice), he studied the humanities in Santiago. Having passed the novitiate stage in 1960, he became a Jesuit.

On the way to the papacy

In 1967, the young man underwent spiritual training at St. Joseph's College in his hometown, earned an academic licentiate degree in philosophy, and taught at Catholic educational institutions in the capital and Santa Fe. He also attended the philosophical and theological department at the capital's College of San Miguel, was a master of the novices and served as professor of theology.

At the age of 33, the young man was ordained to the priesthood. In 1970-1971 completed the third stage of spiritual training at the famous University of Alcala de Henares, located in the suburbs of Madrid, where many studied outstanding personalities– Tirso de Molina, Lope de Vega, Miguel de Cervantes. In 1973, Jorge took the final, fourth vow - submission to the Pope, and soon received the title of provincial superior of Argentina.

Upon expiration of his term of office in this position in 1980, he was approved as rector of his native educational institution, St. Joseph. Before taking up his new duties, he studied English for three months in Dublin, at the Jesuit center of the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy. After 6 years in office, he spent several months in Frankfurt studying for a master's degree, Jorge defended his doctoral research work and, upon his return, took up another high post - the spiritual director of the archdiocese and confessor in Cordoba.

In 1992, by decision of the highest theological leadership, he was recognized as an auxiliary bishop of the capital. In the same year, he was consecrated bishop, and 5 years later he was appointed coadjutor of the cardinal, Archbishop Antonio Quarracino, that is, a successor with the right to automatically acquire the position “by inheritance.”

As a result, after the death of Quarracino in 1998, Bergoglio became a cardinal and acquired the title of Cardinal Priest of the Cathedral of San Roberto Bellarmino. In his new position, he received five posts in the administrative body of the Holy See and the Vatican - the Roman Curia.

In 2001, he personally visited a hospice for poor people dying of AIDS. He washed and kissed the feet of twelve sufferers, emphasizing that Christ himself did not shy away from lepers.

In 2005-2011 he was the head of the Bishops' Conference of the entire country.

Pope Francis officially took the throne

In 2013, at the conclave, Bergoglio was elected supreme sovereign pontiff, Pope. By status, he also received the title of Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. As a papal name, he took the name Francis in honor of the Catholic saint, patron of the poor.

In 2016, at the Havana airport building, he met with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. Following the meeting, which was held at such a high level for the first time since Great Schism (church schism) 1054, a document was signed calling for pan-Christian unity.

Personal life of Pope Francis

The head of Catholics is known for personal modesty, simplicity in communication, commitment to social justice, and doctrinal conservatism. He always used public transport, refused gifts, and also adhered to traditional church views regarding priestly celibacy, homosexuality, abortion, contraception, euthanasia, and the ordination of women as priests.

After being elected pope, he chose to live not in the luxurious papal chambers of the Apostolic Palace, but in a guest house. He chose silver to make the papal ring (instead of gold), wore vestments devoid of expensive jewelry, and ate in the usual dining room for priests.

He is a fan of the outstanding writer and philosopher Fyodor Dostoevsky and Russian classics Jorge Borges and Leopoldo Marechal. Pope's annual Christmas speech (2017)

The Pontiff still tries to spend his birthday with people who especially need his care. He previously celebrated it in the company of homeless people, and in 2017 he visited sick children in the Vatican Hospital Santa Marta.

Delivering the traditional Christmas blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he called on believers to pray for peace and help migrants forced to leave their homeland due to armed conflicts.

Nature