The Pope from the End of the World

FRANCIS

JOS RUZ MRQUEZ

CLARETIAN PUBLICATIONS

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FRANCIS The Pope from the End of the World Copyright 2013 by Claretian Publications A division of Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. U.P. P.O.Box 4, Diliman 1101 Quezon City, Philippines Tel.: (02) 921-3984 Fax: (02) 921-6205 cci@claret.org ccfi@claretianpublications.com www.claretianpublications.com Claretian Publications, is a pastoral endeavor of the Claretian Missionaries in the Philippines that brings the Word of God to people from all walks of life. It aims to promote integral evangelization and renewed spirituality rooted in the Word of God and the living tradition of the Church in response to the needs, challenges and pastoral demands of today. It is a member of Claret Publishing Group, a consortum of the publishing houses of the Claretian Missionaries all over the world: Bangalore, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Chennai, Macau, Madrid, Manila and So Paolo. Cover design by: Jayson Elvin E. Guevara Creative design by: Ian Dacayanan

Nihil Obstat Rev. Luis Gonzaga L April 11, 2013 Imprimatur Bishop Jos Lai Diocese of Macau April 15, 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means without written permission from the publishers.

ISBN: 978-971-9952-60-2

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Whatever you did for one of these least brothers [and sisters] of mine, you did for me
Matthew 25:40

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CONTENTS Introduction A Pope from Argentina Argentina: A Brief Presentation Bergoglio: Family of Immigrants The Pope: Adolescent Years Priestly Vocation Outsider in the Curia Low Profile Archbishop of Buenos Aires his preferential option Pope Francisthe Surprise of the World A First Glimpse The Inauguration Pope Francis A Pope from the End of the World What We Expect from Pope Francis Getting To Know Pope Francis Favorites 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 23 25 32 42 54 56

A Cartoon is Worth More Than a Thousand Words 61 An Inside Look at Pope Francis Forthcoming Books on Pope Francis A Prayer for Pope Francis 63 69 71

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Introduction
The election of Cardinal Jorge M. Bergoglio as POPE FRANCIS brought surprise and admiration of people from all over the world. In just a few weeks in office Catholics and people of all faiths have welcomed the new Pope. He comes from the end of the world, not only geographically, but also from his clear option for the poor, afflicted and downtrodden. In an effort to understand his thoughts and spirituality, and to have a sense to where the Church is heading with the new Pope, Claretian Publications is presenting the book: FrancisThe Pope from the End of the World. The book, intended for a wide audience, looks at his family background, to his years of service to the Church in Argentina as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, especially with the poor, the impact of his first weeks as Pope and an interview with his publisher and friend. Catholics and people from all walks of life have an opportunity to have a glimpse into a true leader, a man of deep faith and courage, a man of power used as service; a man of God who preaches by example and conviction who has surprised all of us with his openness, simplicity and depth.

Jose Lai Bishop of Macau

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