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10 Defining Moments in the Life of Pope Francis

Argentina,Vatican City
Catholic Priest,Theologian,Writer
Also known as: Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Born: 1936-12-17 (Argentina·Buenos Aires)
Age:88

Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. He took office on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.

1958-03-11

Entered the Society of Jesus

Jorge Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus as a novice.

21

Religious Order

1969-12-13

Ordained to the Priesthood

Jorge Bergoglio became a priest in the Society of Jesus.

32

Ordination

1973-07-31

Appointed Provincial Superior

Served as head of the Society of Jesus in Argentina.

36

Appointment

1992-05-20

Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires

Started his service as a bishop.

55

Episcopal Appointment

1997-06-03

Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires

Positioned to succeed the Archbishop.

60

Episcopal Appointment

1998-02-28

Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires

Succeeded as head of the Archdiocese.

61

Episcopal Appointment

2001-02-21

Created Cardinal

Elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.

64

Cardinal Appointment

2013-03-13

Elected Pope

Elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.

76

Papal Election

2013-11-24

First Apostolic Exhortation

Published Evangelii Gaudium, outlining his vision for the papacy.

76

Publication

2015-05-24

Encyclical Laudato si'

Published an encyclical on care for our common home.

78

Publication

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