POPE FRANCIS' BIRTHDAY is December 17, 2024 - he turns 88. He is the 3rd oldest pope in office; only Pope Leo XIII, who reached the age of 93, and Pope Agathon, a 7th century pope who lived to be 102, are ahead of him. Pope Benedict XVI died at the age of 95, but had left office at age 85.He was born in Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina in South America. Francis was named Jorge (George) Mario Bergoglio by his parents. He was born on December 17, 1936. Francis became the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013; following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He is a member of the Jesuit Order. The Pontiff was ordained a priest in 1969. Jorge was the oldest of 5 children to Mario and Regina of Italy. Pope Francis' motto is Miserando atque eligendo, which is Latin for "lowly but chosen" or "by God's merciful choice". He chose this motto from a homily by Saint Bede the Venerable about Jesus calling St. Matthew. (See prayer below the video) Pope Francis' health is good, he uses a wheelchair at times, but in the last year, but continues with many events. Some days when he has up to 9 official and public meetings.PRAYER FOR THE POPE: Let us pray for our Pontiff Francis. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. Let us pray.
O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church: grant him, we beseech Thee, that, by word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, he may attain everlasting life. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen
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