Pope Francis – first anniversary

                 
Yesterday was the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death, an event which precipitated a few incredible days, with Cardinals heading towards Rome for the conclave, setting up the Sistine chapel, planning his funeral and so many other details, which ended up with the white smoke from the famous Vatican chimney, heralding the election of a new Pope, Robert Prevost, as Pope Leo XIV. Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Jorge Bergoglio was ordained a Jesuit priest on December 13, 1969, and was consecrated as bishop on June 27, 1992. He was elevated to a Cardinal and Archbishop of Buenos Aires on February 21, 2001. His rise came as Catholicism has grown in Latin America. A century ago, 65% of the world's Catholics lived in Europe. But by 2010, only 24% did, and in the meantime, Latin America's share has risen to 39%—more than Europe and U.S. combined. The choice of the name of Francis reflects his humble life. Having become archbishop of Buenos Aires 1998, he left empty the sumptuous episcopal residence next to the cathedral. He went to live in an apartment a short distance away, together with another elderly bishop. In the evening he was the one who saw to the cooking. He rarely rode in cars, getting around by bus in the cassock of an ordinary priest. And that is exactly the same lifestyle he followed as Pope, living at Santa Marta guest house, being driven in a small car, having breakfast with all the people that attended his Mass. His health deteriorated during the last few months until he died on April 22, 2025, being buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.  Pope Leo XIV praised the example of his predecessor whom he remembered for "truly living out closeness to the most poor. He left so much to the church, with his witness and his word, looking to promote an authentic respect for all men and women, promoting this spirit of fraternity. Francis spoke from the heart of the mercy of God, of forgiveness, of this generous expression of the mercy of the Lord. And he wanted to share this spirit with the whole church."