A group of talented teen writers of The Catholic Herald share their perspectives on the life and times of Pope Francis, offering fresh insights into the pontiff’s remarkable journey. Through their essays, these young authors explore Pope Francis’ commitment to social justice, his compassion for the marginalised, and his efforts to promote unity and understanding within the Catholic Church and beyond. BETTY AMUKPO puts forward their unique perspectives of the Supreme Pontiff.
‘Pope Francis was known for his messages of hope’
Pope Francis was an important figure in the Catholic Church, known for the message of hope in good faith, stressing that hope is trusting in God’s power to defeat sin. In one of his messages, he described Catholics as the “Pilgrims of hope” with the victory of love and not harm. Thus, it is written in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
• Gideon Eyinade
‘12 years as Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis consistently elevated the cause of migrants, disenfranchised’
Pope Francis’ life took him from a modest upbringing in Buenos Aires to lead the Roman Catholic Church as the first Jesuit Pontiff and the first from Latin America. Across his 12 years as the Holy Pontiff, Pope Francis consistently elevated the cause of migrants and the disenfranchised, and pushed the Church to more forcefully confront its own history of scandal. His efforts to make the Church more inclusive were welcomed by his supporters and many Catholics, but some conservatives pushed back as he veered from traditional teachings. Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His parents were immigrants from Italy, and he was the eldest of five siblings. As a boy, he was intelligent, deeply religious and loved to dance the tango.
When he was 16, Jorge was rushing to meet friends but paused at the Basilica of St. Joseph in Buenos Aires, feeling an urge to go inside. In the sanctuary, it felt as though “someone grabbed me from inside,” he said, adding, “Right there I knew I had to be a Priest.” He later joined a seminary. After 13 years of study, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained a priest. Father Bergoglio became the head of the Jesuits, an Order of Priests, in Argentina. At the time, the country was in the throes of a “dirty war,” when the ruling military junta tortured, killed or “disappeared” as many as 30,000 people. Father Bergoglio later faced accusations that he had done little to protect two Priests with anti-government views who were kidnapped and tortured by the regime. He denied the claims, saying he protected Priests and others by pressing military officials behind the scenes.
What does the Bible say about the first Pope?
The Prophecy of the Popes states: “Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations, and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The End.”
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘He exemplified humility, love, hope; focusing on the care of the less fortunate’
Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was notable for being the first Pope from South America and the first Jesuit Pope. He exemplified humility, love, and hope, focusing on the care of the less fortunate, promoting unity, and advocating for peace. He encouraged faith, particularly among young people, and fostered interfaith dialogue. Embracing simplicity, he acted as a servant leader, embodying Christ’s teachings. His messages resonated with scriptures like Romans 12:12 and Mark 10:45, motivating believers to stay hopeful and faithful while spreading light through love, mercy, and service.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Pope was indeed a champion of hope’
First, the late Pope Francis declared this year (a Jubilee Year themed Pilgrims of hope). This act emphasised the spiritual journey and the importance of hope in a world facing challenges. It is a special year of remission of sins and universal pardon. It is also a time of spiritual renewal, pilgrimage and reconciliation. On Easter Sunday, the late Pope Francis said, “Together with the risen Jesus, those who trust in God become pilgrims of hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Late Pope Francis teaches us unconditional love and sincerity of heart.
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
‘His life echoed Christ’s love, peace and hope in God’s promises’
Late Pope Francis, a true pilgrim of hope, journeyed in faith like Abraham (Hebrews 11:8), lifting the lowly (Luke 1:52), and calling all to mercy (Matthew 5:7). His life echoed Christ’s love, urging peace (John 14:27) and hope in God’s promises (Romans 15:13).” He walked humbly with God (Micah 6:8) and inspired faith in Christ, the light of the world (John 8:12), spreading joy to the poor (Luke 4:18), and unity in the Church (Ephesians 4:3). His life was a light shining in darkness (Matthew 5:14), trusting always in God’s unfailing love (Psalm 33:22).
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Elected as Pope in 2013, he became the first Jesuit Pope; first Pope from South America’
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, known for his progressive views and commitment to social justice. Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he joined the Jesuits in 1958 and was ordained as a priest in 1969. Served as a Priest and Bishop in Argentina, becoming known for his work with the poor and marginalised. Elected as Pope in 2013, he became the first Jesuit Pope and the first Pope from the America. His humility and commitment to simplicity, reflected in his decision to live in a modest apartment, rather than the Papal Palace. Pope Francis encouraged young people to embrace their vocations as a journey of love and service to others. This development reflected in his emphasis on the importance of hope and resilience in the face of uncertainty and adversity. As a “pilgrim of hope,” Pope Francis encouraged others to embark on a journey of faith and service, trusting in God’s love and providence to guide them.
• Barnabas Awaki
‘Francis was noted for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, strong concern for the poor’
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a family of Italian origin, Bergoglio was inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 after recovering from a severe illness. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969, and from 1973 to 1979 he was the Jesuit Provincial Superior in Argentina. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was made a Cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, a Papal Conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on March 13. He chose Francis as his Papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. Throughout his public life, Francis was noted for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, international visibility as Pope, concern for the poor.
• Okononfua Bryan
