Papel Study Guide

Pope

The Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

St. Peter

The first pope, originally one of Jesus' twelve disciples, who was crucified upside down.

Apostolic Palace

The residence of the pope located in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.

Conclave

The gathering of cardinals responsible for electing a new pope upon the death of a pope.

Sistine Chapel

The location where the election of the pope is held.

Black smoke

Signal of an unsuccessful papal vote when ballots are burned with a chemical.

White smoke

Signal of a successful papal election, indicating a new pope has been elected.

Pope Pius IX

The longest reigning pope, who reigned for 31 years, 7 months, and 23 days.

Pope Urban VII

The shortest reigning pope, who reigned for only 13 days.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio

The original name of Pope Francis.

First Jesuit Pope

Pope Francis is notable for being the first Jesuit and non-European pontiff.

Evangelization

One of the goals of Pope Francis for the diocese, focused on addressing every citizen.

Catholic Social Teaching

The mission of Pope Francis that aligns with the principles of promoting social justice and aiding the poor.

Where was Pope Francis born?

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 17, 1936.

What was Pope Francis' original name?

His original name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Which two subjects did Pope Francis teach at Santa Fe in Argentina?

He taught literature and psychology.

In what year was Pope Francis ordained a priest?

He was ordained a priest in 1973.

What year was Pope Francis designated as the spiritual director and confessor of the Jesuit Church in Cordoba?

He was designated in 1986.

Who appointed Pope Francis as the auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires?

He was appointed by Pope John Paul II on May 20, 1992.

What were four goals Pope Francis had for the diocese of Buenos Aires as a cardinal?

1. Evangelization effects addressed to every citizen 2. Open and brotherly communities 3. Informed laity playing a lead role 4. Assisting the poor and sick.

What date was Pope Francis elected as the Pope of the Catholic Church?

He was elected on February 29, 2013.

After whom did Pope Francis choose his papal name?

He chose his papal name after St. Francis of Assisi.

What are the two aspects that mark Pope Francis' papacy as a first?

He is the first Jesuit and the first non-European pontiff.

How has Pope Francis earned respect and admiration for his leadership as pope?

He has earned respect through his foundations on humility and his focus on aiding the poor.

Pope Francis tweet on selfishness

Pope Francis emphasized that to live out the Gospels, one must fight against selfishness, encouraging a focus on kindness and community.

Message to youth

Pope Francis' message is a call for the youth to shift from self-centeredness to acts of compassion and service, fostering a sense of community.

Transformative leadership of Pope Francis

As of 2025, Pope Francis is seen as a transformative leader, focusing on inclusivity, social justice, and compassion.

Challenges to Pope Francis' reforms

While many appreciate his progressive stance on various issues, some traditionalists within the Church see his reforms as challenging established doctrines.

Relation of Pope Francis' mission to Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

Pope Francis' mission aligns with CST principles, emphasizing human dignity, solidarity, and care for creation, particularly for the marginalized.

Two smokes process

During a papal conclave, black smoke indicates no pope has been elected, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.

Significance of smoke in St. Peter's Square

The smoke signals connect the Church to the faithful, creating anticipation and unity as they await the announcement of the new pope.