Francis I: humble and critical with politicians

Jorge Mario Bergoglio

The Pope Francis I is a Jesuit who has a vast academic background. Tango lover and fan of San Lorenzo soccer team, has kept frictions with the Governments of the late Nestor Kirchner and his wife Cristina Fernandez, current President of Argentina, for his dissagreement on issues such as gay marriage and contraception.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Cardinal of 76 years, is a man of few words, with a marked spirituality that adheres to the secular traditions of Catholicism. After having rejected an elegant Archbishop’s mansion in Buenos Aires, he decided to live in a small apartment where he spent most of his time.

His biographer, Franscesca Ambrogetti, describes his personality as quite moderate. “Simplicity and austerity is his way of life. Traveling by subway (metro) and bus;  when he travels to Rome he flights in tourist class,” she said.

Bergoglio headed demonstrations in Argentina, mobilized the priests in defense of the “family unit” and held vigils outside the Parliament. Between 1973 and 1979, time of the military dictatorship, he was sent to Germany, where he joined the Church of the company of Jesus of Cordoba.

His participation in the dictatorship and his efforts to keep the jesuits away from the political problems  have been grounds for controversy.

Pope Francis I usually reserved speeches with harsh words for both politicians and citizens, during his appearances in public where he talked about  massive poverty, marginalization and social inequality affecting Argentina.