The day I drew Pope Francis

Although I went to a Catholic school as a child, I am not a believer. It was the decision of my parents and grandparents that Santa Maria de la Ayuda was my school. So far away from the church I've always stayed.

But when Pope Francis took office, curiosity about the character, so different from other popes, led me to make a couple of portraits of him.

Of these two works we sold some copies, not without controversy, since we met people who adored him and others who hated him, and they told us that, why, we had drawn him.

Those who hated the new pope tried to boycott the purchase of his portrait.

Of course, Francis' profile and thought looked little or nothing like the previous Pope Benedict XVI.

In short, we witnessed more or less "elegant and eloquent" discussions between those who came to buy a copy of our drawing by Francisco Bergoglio.

We could say that the clashes happened from time to time, with the number of contenders matched.

That if he was a Volshevik communist, that if not, that if he was an envoy of the devil or that he was a great man, that he would revolutionize the Vatican and get an opening of the papal see.

So, outside of such conflicts, here I show you the two portraits, which aroused the fury of some and the love and passion of others, as well as a summary of their biography.

Biography of Pope Francis: Life, Work and Legacy

The Pope Francis, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the 266º Pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first potato of origin Latin American. His pontificate has been characterized by his humility, commitment to the poor and call to mercy. In this detailed biography, we will explore his life, his path to the papacy, and his impact on the Church and the world.

Childhood and Youth by Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Birth and Family

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the eldest of five children of Mario Bergoglio (Italian accountant and immigrant) and Regina Maria Sivori (housewife). His family was middle class and had deep Catholic roots.

Education and Early Years

He studied at the Technical School N°27 Hipólito Yrigoyen, where he graduated as Chemical Technician. However, from a young age he felt the religious call. To the 21 years, after recovering from severe pneumonia, decided to enter the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto.

Religious Life and Priesthood

Entry into the Society of Jesus

In 1958, Bergoglio entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He studied humanities in Chile and then philosophy and theology in Chile. Colegio Máximo de San José, in Argentina.

Ordination of Priests

He was ordained priest the 13 December 1969. During his early years as a religious, he served as:

Master of novices
Professor of theology
Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina (1973-1979)

Your leadership during the Argentine military dictatorship (1976-1983) It was controversial, with some accusing him of not standing firmly enough against the regime, while others highlighted his efforts to protect the persecuted.

Episcopate and Cardinalate

Bishop and Archbishop of Buenos Aires

In 1992, the Pope John Paul II named him Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. Then, in 1998, assumed as Archbishop of the Archdiocese, where it was highlighted by:

Promoting Social Pastoral Care
Visiting villas miseries (poor neighborhoods)
Fostering interreligious dialogue

Elevation to Cardinal

In 2001, John Paul II created it Cardinal, assigning him the title of Saint Robert Bellarmine. During the conclave of 2005, was one of the leading candidates for the papacy, but was eventually elected Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI).

Election as Pope (2013)

Resignation of Benedict XVI and Conclave

The 11 February 2013, Benedict XVI announced his resignation, a historical fact in the modern Church. The 13 March 2013, After two days of conclave, Bergoglio was elected Pope, taking the name of Francisco in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, symbol of poverty and humility.

First Acts as Pontiff

From the beginning, Pope Francis marked a different style:

He lived in the House of Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace.
He opted for gestures of simplicity, like paying for your own room and using a modest car.
Emphasized mercy, reforms in the Roman Curia and the fight against clerical abuses.

Pontificate: Teachings and Reforms

Encyclicals and Important Documents

Pope Francis has published several key encyclicals:

Lumen Fidei (2013) – On faith.
‘Laudato Si’ (2015) – On the care of the Common House (integral ecology).
Fratelli Tutti (2020) – On human fraternity.

Reform of the Roman Curia

In 2022, promulgated the Apostolic Constitution "Praedicate Evangelium", reorganizing the structure of the Vatican to make it more missionary and transparent.

Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism

First Pope to visit Saudi Arabia (2019).
Meetings with Orthodox leaders, as Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Historical visit to Iraq (2021), promoting peace between Christians and Muslims.

Position on Social Issues

Advocacy for migrants and refugees.
Criticism of Wild Capitalism and Inequality.
Call to protect the environment.

Health and Apostolic Journeys

Health Problems

Pope Francis has faced several health problems, including:

Colon surgery (2021).
Knee problems (2022-2023), who forced him to use a wheelchair.

Despite this, it has maintained an active agenda.

International travel

You have visited more than 50 countries, highlighting their journeys to:

Holy Land (2014) – Meeting with the Orthodox Patriarch.
Cuba and the U.S. (2015) – Mediation in diplomatic melting.
Mexico (2016) – Visit to the US border
Canada (2022) – Apologies to indigenous peoples for abuse in boarding schools.

Legacy and Controversies

Contributions to the Church

Focus on the marginalized.
Greater openness to divorced and remarried.
Combating sexual abuse in the Church.

Criticisms and Challenges

Opposition by conservative sectors for their progressive positions.
Management of abuse cases (although it has pushed for stricter measures).

A Pope Reformer

The Pope Francis has marked a before and after in the Catholic Church with his close style and his call to a Poor Church for the Poor. His legacy will be remembered for his commitment to social justice, ecology and mercy.