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Pope Francis turns 84 today. Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, the son of Piedmontese emigrants, Jorge Mario Bergoglio celebrates his birthday at the Vatican, continuing with his daily life as always. Firmly in the chair of the throne of Peter, advanced age does not prevent him from leading the Church firmly and an agenda always full of commitments and projects: next Monday will take place the usual speech to that Roman Curia that in his pontificate tried to make it less “court of the King” and more service body. In March, he will leave for Iraq, a trip that promises to be historic to provide comfort to the Christian minority and the population in difficulties.
Many personalities who wanted to wish him well. Among these, the president of the Council Giuseppe Conte, who wrote on Twitter: “My best wishes, Pope Francis. We continue with the greatest respect your commitment to a Church of ‘proximity’, always attentive to the needs of the poorest, the most fragile, the smallest.”
The president also wrote to the Pope Sergio Mattarella: “During this terrible year of pandemic, Francesco did not let all Italians lack participatory and supportive closeness.” And again: “People of different religions in times of trial and loneliness have been able to constantly feel the support and encouragement of the Pope. Catholics, in particular, have found comfort and hope in the firm certainty of his generous prayer. Christmas now in The gates will be celebrated in very particular circumstances. Despite the inconveniences that they may entail, these limitations open a reminder of the most authentic and essential aspects of this feast and of its universal message of brotherhood and peace. Message, Holy Father, that this year our communities feel the need more strongly ”.
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Years have passed since his father Mario, a railroad employee, and his mother, Regina Sivori, who took care of the house and the education of the five children, were married. Bergoglio grew up in Buenos Aires in a serene family that did not hinder his desire to be a priest. He was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969 and for six years he was provincial of the Jesuits of Argentina. First auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and later coadjutor archbishop, on February 28, 1998, after the death of Cardinal Quarracino, he succeeded him at the head of the diocese.
He became a cardinal in 2001, then was elected Pope on March 13, 2013 after a sad and dark season for the Church called “Vatileaks.” Today, after almost eight years of pontificate, many reforms have been initiated and others are expected in the future. His pontificate seems to be still long.
No cake for the 84th anniversary of Pope Francis. The Borgo Pio pastry chef: “This pandemic year has asked for silence and austerity. Respect”
by Katia Riccardi
