New York Welcomes Pope Francis
The Pope has begun his tour to the Americas with plans to visit the White House on September 23 and New York City from September 24-25, 2015, then continuing on to Philadelphia. Read about it in Spanish.
Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina under the name of Jorge Mario Bergoglio and was elected Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The Pontiff expressed his willingness to be called "Francis" in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He is the first pope to be called Francis, the first pope from the Americas and the first from the Jesuit order.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio attended catholic school and after graduating high school, he worked as a chemical technician. He felt inclined to pursue a religious vocation from an early age and decided to enter the Jesuit novitiate at age 21. He completed several studies of classical sciences and other liberal arts, and obtained a master’s degree in philosophy and theology. He taught literature and psychology, and became a spiritual director to the young members in the ministry.
Pope Francis was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969 and consecrated archbishop of Buenos Aires on February 28, 1998. About three years later, he was elevated to a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, and considered one of the candidates to the Pontiff's throne on February 21, 2001. Pope Francis is known for his humble qualities and his dedication to the poor and marginalized. Pope Francis has been named "Person of the Year" by TIME and Rolling Stone magazines.
Let’s welcome Pope Francis and learn more about his spiritual legacy through the variety of resources for adults, young adults and children available at the Library, including works written in the Pope's own words!
The City of New York is offering a Ticket giveaway contest for the Central Park Papal Procession. For more information about the Papal Visit:
Some of the library resources may be available in different formats. For more information please contact the librarian at your local library. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! More Blog en Español.
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