Pope Francis celebrates a birthday

Pope Francis, the current leader of the Catholic Church celebrates his 77th birthday on Tuesday.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who hails from Argentina was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants, railway accountant Mario and Regina Sivori.

The first Pope of the Americas, Pope Francis is a prominent figure throughout the continent, yet remains a simple pastor who is deeply loved by his diocese, throughout which he has travelled extensively on the underground and by bus during the 15 years of his episcopal ministry.

“My people are poor and I am one of them.”

He has said more than once, explaining his decision to live in an apartment and cook his own supper.

He has always advised his priests to show mercy and apostolic courage and to keep their doors open to everyone.

Despite his reserved character, his official biography consists of only a few lines, at least until his appointment as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he became a reference point because of the strong stances he took during the dramatic financial crisis that overwhelmed the country in 2001.

Pope Francis graduated as a chemical technician and then chose the path of the priesthood, entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto.

The first non-European to lead the Catholic church in more than 1,200 years, Pope Francis will receive the Argentine Soccer Trophy on his Birthday by the members of his favorite soccer team, San Lorenzo de Almagro, after the club won the local league title.

In stark contrast with his predecessor, since being named pontiff on March13 2013, Pope Francis has ordered an investigation into the Vatican bank, called on governments to focus more on the world’s poor, said the church shouldn’t obsess over gay marriage and abortion, washed the feet of jail inmates and has broken protocol to plunge into crowds to shake hands with followers.

Francis has worked to portray himself as a man of the people, shirking the traditional robes, jewelry and even papal apartment for more spartan trappings.

A noble, humble and a true man of God, Newsfirst wishes the Holy Father all the very best and hopes he will live a long, healthy life so that he could continue shedding the light and guiding the rest of humanity in years to come!