In 2018, Pope Francis apologized for demanding proof from abuse victims who accused Chilean Bishop Juan Barros of turning a blind eye to priestly predators. He acknowledged his mistakes in assessing the situation and denounced conservative critics who were hindering the church’s modernization efforts. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis became the first pope from South America. He worked as a chemist before entering the seminary and was ordained in 1969. Francis became head of the Jesuits in Argentina, was made a cardinal in 2001, and was elected pope in 2013 following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. Francis focused on healing wounds, serving the poor, and addressing global issues such as economic inequality and migration struggles. He traveled extensively to connect with a global church, including visits to Iraq and Ukraine. Despite a misstep when suggesting negotiation with Russia during the Ukrainian conflict, Francis has been praised for his advocacy for marginalized groups and his efforts to bring about positive change within the Catholic Church. The pope’s leadership style, emphasizing servant leadership and care for the vulnerable, has resonated with many people, marking a departure from past traditions of rigid rule adherence.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
