Pope Francis is a beloved religious figure known for his progressive and compassionate views. As an educator, it’s important to teach our students about his life story and values. Here are some ways to teach students about Pope Francis’s biography:
1. Start With His Early Life
Begin by introducing students to Pope Francis’s early life. He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936. His father was an Italian immigrant and worked as a railroad worker, while his mother was a housewife. Pope Francis is the oldest of five children.
As a child, Bergoglio loved playing soccer and enjoyed spending time with his grandmother, who taught him about faith. He was also drawn to the priesthood, a path he ultimately took after studying at a local seminary.
2. Discuss His Rise Within the Church
After completing his education, Pope Francis quickly rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church. He was ordained as a priest in 1969 and became a bishop in 1992. In 2001, he was appointed as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Finally, in 2013, he was selected as the leader of the Catholic Church, becoming the first pope from South America.
3. Explore His Message of Compassion
Pope Francis is known for his progressive views and his message of compassion for all people. He has spoken out on issues such as climate change, immigration, and poverty. He has also been committed to fighting the sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the Catholic Church.
Encourage discussions on how Pope Francis’ message of compassion aligns with the mission of your school. Consider engaging your students in service projects as a way of living Pope Francis’s message of compassion.
4. Study His Encyclicals
Pope Francis has written several important encyclicals since becoming pope. Encourage your students to read these documents and to think about the messages contained within them. For example, his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, addresses the issue of climate change and the responsibility that humans have to care for the environment.
5. Reflect on His Legacy
Finally, ask your students to reflect on Pope Francis’s legacy. How has he impacted the Catholic Church and the world at large? How can his message of compassion inform our own actions and beliefs?
Teaching students about Pope Francis’s biography is an important way to introduce them to a leader who embodies compassion, kindness, and acceptance. By exploring his life story and values, we can help our students better understand the importance of empathy and compassion in our own lives.
