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Pope Francis I was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio and was elected to Pope on March 13. 2013. He is a Jesuit-ordained priest from Argentina.

Theology

Bergoglio is an accomplished theologian who distanced himself from liberation theology early in his career. He is thought to be close to Comunione e Liberazione, a conservative lay movement.

Abortion and euthanasia

Pope Francis I has invited his clergy and laity to oppose both abortion and euthanasia.

Church and AIDS

His doctrinal orthodoxy emphasizes Christ’s mandate to love: he is well remembered for his 2001 visit to a hospice, in which he washed and kissed the feet of twelve AIDS patients.

Social justice

He consistently preaches a message of compassion towards the poor, but some observers would like him to place a greater emphasis on issues of social justice. Rather than articulating positions on matters of political economy, Bergoglio prefers to emphasize spirituality and holiness, believing that this will naturally lead to greater concern for the suffering of the poor. He has, however, voiced support for social programs, and publicly challenged free-market policies.

He formerly served as the following:

  • Member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
  • Member of the Congregation for the Clergy.
  • Member of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life
  • Member of the Pontifical Council for the Family

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Who Is Pope Francis I  was originally published on elev8.com