March 13, 2013. (Romereports.com) Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio becomes the first Latin American Pope. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. Before entering the seminary, he studied chemistry and graduated as a chemical engineer.   

The new Pope is a Jesuit. He has taught literature and psychology in Buenos Aires. He was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969, at the age of 33.   

In 1992, John Paul II appointed him titular bishop of Auca. Then in 1997, he was appointed archbishop of Buenos Aires and was made a cardinal in 2001. He is a member of the Pontifical Council for the Family and also of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

He has written several books including “Meditations for religious” and “Reflections of Hope.”

Although he was not among 'papabili' at the start of this first conclave, back in 2005  he was among the main candidates. Nearly 8 years later, he emerged as Pope.


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