As we await the Pope’s arrival later in the day, here are some things that you probably did not know about him.
His Family
Jose Mario Bergoglio was born on 17th December 1936 in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants as a firstborn of five children. His father was a railroad worker and his mother was a house wife.
Worked as a bouncer
He once worked as a bar bouncer in Buenos Aires to earn money as a student. He also worked as a janitor and a high school teacher.
Master’s degree in Chemistry
Before embarking on seminary studies, he studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Buenos Aires and master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires. During his time at the Society of Jesus, he taught many subjects including literature, psychology and philosophy.
Has one lung
While in his early 20’s he suffered a lung infection and had to get a portion of it removed. So effectively he has one lung but he said to be in good health.
Football Fan
He is a football fan and is a passionate supporter of San Lorenzo Football club.
He is a writer
He is the co-author of a book titled “Sobre el Cielo y la Tierra (On Heaven and Earth)”, which can be purchased for Kindle.
Loved to dance
As a young man he used to love dancing the tango and even had a girlfriend whom he used to go out dancing with. However the vocation caused him to break from his sweetheart and give up dancing.
First Jesuit Pope
Pope Francis is the first Jesuit pope and is also the first non-european pope in over a century. Before him was Syria born Gregory III in 741, he is the first pope ever to be from the Americas. The pope’s parents were however born in Italy so he does have European ancestry. He chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi to show his commitment to the poor.
Lives in Vatican Guest House
In keeping with his humble roots, Pope Francis declined to move into the lavish papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace. This made him the first pope in 110 years to have lived outside the official residence. He instead chose live in the Vatican City guesthouse, Casa Santa Marta. The pope prefers the guesthouse because it allows him to live in community with others.