Pope Francis Celebrates 85th Birthday Amid Speculation About Future
1. Francis is the first pope from the Americas
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first pope to come from the Americas. He was born in Argentina on December 17, 1936, and was elected to the papacy in 2013.
2. Francis is the oldest pope in modern history
At 85 years old, Francis is the oldest pope in modern history. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was 78 when he was elected in 2005. Benedict stepped down from the papacy in 2013, citing declining health.
3. Francis has faced health challenges
Francis has faced some health challenges in recent years, including a fall that resulted in a fractured knee in 2021. He also suffers from sciatica, a condition that causes pain in the lower back and legs.
4. Francis has been praised for his leadership
Francis has been praised for his leadership on a number of issues, including climate change, poverty, and social justice. He is also known for his humility and his willingness to engage with people from all walks of life.
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