Pope Francis Devotes His Life to Charity and Poverty

Pope Francis: Viva il Papa!

SPECIAL FEATURE: Pope Francis

On March 13, 2013, a 76-year old Jesuit pontiff, Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, was elected to be the 266th pope to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. The first Latin American and Jesuit pope chose the papal name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Favoring humility and simplicity over pomp and grandeur, Pope Francis declared that he would like to see a church that is poor and is for the poor.

Thinking of old age as a sign of wisdom, Pope Francis said to the College of Cardinals in one of his talks, "Let's give this knowledge to young people, like fine wine that gets better with age, let's give young people the knowledge of life”.

The Pope truly believes that Christians need to share the Gospel message with joy and courage because it will truly answer people's deepest needs, reminding everyone to never give in to the devil's pessimism, discouragement and bitterness.

Serving the Gospel with renewed love and helping the church become ever more in Christ and with Christ, Pope Francis encourages all Catholics to faithfully respond to the continuing mission: Bring Jesus Christ to humanity and lead people to an encounter with Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life.

His first tweet as a pope: “Dear friends, I thank you from my heart and I ask you to continue to pray for me.”

Viva il Papa! May the good Lord bless you and the Church now and forever.