The State of the Beast 2025:
Part I - The Jesuit’s Path
Jorge Mario Bergoglio: Before He was Pontiff
I. Origins: From Buenos Aires to the Society of Jesus
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents. He was the eldest of five children in a devout Catholic family. After graduating as a chemical technician, he worked briefly in the food-processing industry. At the age of 21, following a severe illness that led to the removal of part of his right lung, Bergoglio experienced a spiritual awakening that inspired him to pursue the priesthood.
In 1958, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. The Jesuit order, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, is known for its emphasis on education, missionary work, and a vow of obedience to the Pope. Bergoglio took his initial vows in 1960 and was ordained a priest in 1969.
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II. Jesuit Leadership and Philosophical Formation
Bergoglio’s early years in the Jesuit order were marked by a commitment to education and spiritual formation. He taught literature and psychology at Jesuit high schools in Argentina and later served as the master of novices, guiding new members of the order. In 1973, at the age of 36, he was appointed Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, a role he held until 1979.
During his tenure, Bergoglio emphasized traditional Jesuit spirituality and discipline, which sometimes put him at odds with more progressive members of the order who were influenced by liberation theology—a movement that sought to align the Church with social justice causes.
After completing his term as Provincial Superior, Bergoglio served as rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, where he had previously studied. He also spent time in Germany at the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology, where he explored the works of theologian Romano Guardini.
III. Navigating Turbulent Times: The Dirty War
The 1970s in Argentina were marked by political turmoil and human rights abuses during the military dictatorship known as the “Dirty War.” As a Jesuit leader, Bergoglio faced challenges in protecting his fellow clergy and laypeople. He has been both criticized and defended for his actions during this period, with some accusing him of not doing enough to oppose the regime, while others credit him with discreetly helping individuals escape persecution.
IV. Episcopal Rise and Pastoral Focus
In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed Bergoglio as Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. He became Archbishop in 1998 and was elevated to Cardinal in 2001. As Archbishop, Bergoglio was known for his humility and dedication to the poor. He chose to live in a modest apartment, used public transportation, and was often seen ministering in the city’s slums.
His pastoral approach emphasized mercy, simplicity, and a focus on marginalized communities. He was also involved in administrative reforms within the Archdiocese, aiming for greater transparency and efficiency.
V. International Engagements and Theological Outlook
Bergoglio’s international experiences included time spent in Chile, Germany, and Ireland, where he learned English and deepened his theological understanding. His theological perspective was influenced by the “Theology of the People,” an Argentine strand of liberation theology that emphasizes the cultural and religious values of the poor. This approach focuses on grassroots engagement and sees the Church as a field hospital tending to the wounded.
VI. Character and Aspirations
Known for his austere lifestyle and deep spiritual commitment, Bergoglio was often described as a man of few words but profound action. His leadership style was marked by a preference for dialogue over confrontation and a focus on pastoral care over doctrinal rigidity. These qualities would later define his papacy and influence his approach to global issues and Church reform.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s journey from a working-class neighborhood in Buenos Aires to the leadership of the Catholic Church was shaped by his Jesuit formation, commitment to social justice, and deep pastoral concern. His experiences navigating political upheaval, leading within the Jesuit order, and ministering to the marginalized laid the foundation for a papacy that would seek to bring the Church closer to the people and address contemporary global challenges.
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This concludes Part I of the “State of the Beast” series. Part II will delve into the historic actions Pope Francis’s papacy, examining his reforms, controversies, and the legacy he leaves behind.
