Pope Francis Turns 85 Today

Pope Francis turns 85 today. Yesterday, he received a farewell visit from Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who will be leaving his post in January.

This was reported by the TASS news agency, noting that the leader of the Roman Catholic Church is receiving congratulations from around the world. The Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who hails from a family of Italian immigrants, feels good at the age of 85, despite some age-related difficulties.

During the summer, Pope Francis underwent intestinal surgery. After being discharged from the hospital, the Pope joked about discussions regarding his health, saying, “When the Pope is in the hospital, the smell of a conclave (papal elections) arises.”

Cardinal Bergoglio, elected as the supreme pontiff in 2013, has not ruled out the possibility of resigning due to health issues. During his tenure, he has achieved certain results and impressed many with his thoughts.

Over the years, he has met with leaders of Orthodox churches in Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, and Egypt, as well as with Patriarch Kirill of All Russia in Cuba in 2016. That same year, the Pope visited Armenia, where he celebrated a service in memory of the victims of the genocide.

Bergoglio is the first Pope from Latin America and the first to choose the name of the saint patron of Europe, Francis. Additionally, he is the first Jesuit Pope.