Editor's Review

By Nyang’au yang’au Araka Pope Francis, whose death was announced Monday at 89, was 21 when he nearly lost his life. Named Jorge Mario Bergoglio when he was born on 17 December 1936 in Argentina, the man who became Pope suffered a severe bout of pneumonia that led to the removal of part of his […]

Pope Francis whose death was announced on Monday. Photo/ Courtesy n

By Nyang’au yang’au Araka

Pope Francis, whose death was announced Monday at 89, was 21 when he nearly lost his life.

Named Jorge Mario Bergoglio when he was born on 17 December 1936 in Argentina, the man who became Pope suffered a severe bout of pneumonia that led to the removal of part of his lung at 21.

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He went on to serve God and humanity for decades, his last assignment being leading Catholic faithful for the Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.

“It had been unknown at the time if the pontiff would join the service following his discharge from hospital last month, after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia,” reported the BBC on Monday.

The Pope joined the Jesuits in 1958 and got ordained as Jesuit in 1969 and sources show that he initially worked as a bouncer, janitor and technician before he became a priest.

“Jesuits is an apostolic religious community called the Society of Jesus,” according to information available on Georgetown University website.

Founded in 1540, the Society of Jesus is a mission of justice and reconciliation, according to information available on Jesuits Global.

The late Pope Francis and Kenyas former presidents Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

The priest, who became the 266th Pope in 2013, had risen the ranks, becoming a bishop in 1992 and Archbishop of Buernos Aires in 1998.

He was the first citizen from the Americas, first non-European and first Jesuit priest to be elected to the esteemed position, according to church records.

The Anglican Communion said in a statement on Monday that Pope Francis was a man of great faith, humility, and compassion, who brought to the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome the joy of the Gospel.

“I want to express the deep appreciation of the Anglican Communion for the remarkable leadership that Pope Francis has given to the Catholic Church and to the world at large,” the statement, signed by secretary general, Right Reverend Anthony Poggo said.

“Throughout his papacy Pope Francis has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to evangelisation, to show justice, mercy, love and reconciliation.”

The statement further said that “His words and actions have touched the hearts of millions, transcending the boundaries of Christian divisions and inspiring people of all faiths to join hands in pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.”