This Monday morning, the news of the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 was announced.
The Argentinean was pope from March 13, 2013, being the leader of the Catholic Church and recognized for being the first pontiff of Latin origin.
The Irish cardinal, Kevin Joseph Farrell, was the one in charge of delivering the sad news, announcing: “His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love. In particular, in support of the poorest and the marginalized, with immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus.”
It was the Vatican that revealed the cause of the death of the Supreme Pontiff, which was indicated as a stroke that caused him to fall into a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory failure. It is worth remembering that throughout this year, the health of Pope Francis was compromised on two occasions, being admitted to the hospital in mid-February due to severe pneumonia.
However, despite his health condition, the last time Pope Francis made a public appearance was on Sunday April 20th, on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during the Easter celebration, delivering a final message in which he called for peace.
This is how Pope Francis looked when he was young
After the unfortunate passing of Pope Francis was announced, various aspects of the life of the Supreme Pontiff have come to light, including some photographs from his youth, which have surprised the audience with the handsomeness he displayed.
Some images of a young Jorge Mario Bergoglio have been circulating on social media, showing him wearing the characteristic cassock worn by priests, deacons, and religious members of the Catholic Church, while displaying the same smile he has offered throughout his tenure as the leader of this religion.
Furthermore, he had receding hairline from a very young age, which characterized him since he was named Pope in 2013, being the pontificate that has caused the most divisions due to his intention to reform and modernize an institution anchored in the past.
Who was Pope Francis?
Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the son of Mario, an accountant and railroad employee, and Regina Sivori, a woman who dedicated her life to her home and her five children.
After graduating as a chemical technician, he entered the diocesan seminary of Villa Devoto and at the age of 22, he joined the novitiate of the Society of Jesus, completing his humanities studies in Chile. A few years later, before turning 33, Archbishop Ramón José Castellano was ordained a priest.
In February 2001, he was appointed cardinal by Pope John Paul II and ten years later, in 2011, he became president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, until in 2013 he was elected as the successor of Pope Benedict XVI.
Although he did not manage to win the sympathy of all Catholics, Pope Francis was characterized by his humility, which was evidenced by some decisions he made such as choosing to live in Casa Santa Marta instead of the luxurious Apostolic Palace, embracing the sick and marginalized, speaking openly about controversial topics, with one of his most famous quotes being: “My people are poor and I am one of them”.