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Francis by Matthew Bunson). To Bergoglio’s point, Christina de Kirchner responded with a full-page newspaper ad accusing the Cardinal of staying in the Dark Ages.
     
    Construction on the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral where Cardinal Bergoglio had presided began in the late 16th century, but many significant structural repairs and renovations through the centuries brought it to its current eclectic, but glorious form. Twelve pillars representing the twelve Apostles form a long and tall portico that supports its ornate neoclassical façade. An 18th century dome rises over the massive main altarpiece. The pulpit stands to the side. Cardinal Bergoglio spoke out from that pulpit against many social evils of the city and nation, such as human trafficking and prostitution. He also preached against serious economic inequalities, which grew after the 2001 financial crisis. Fiery preaching from the pulpit in the Metropolitan Cathedral was the Cardinal’s preferred method of communicating the spoken word to his archdiocese and the nation. He accepted very few interviews.
     
    Cardinal Bergoglio grew to both national and international prominence among the bishops. In 2001, he was designated the rector of the 10th Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome because the terrorist attacks of September 11 prevented Cardinal Egan of New York from coming to Rome. This opportunity increased his level of exposure among the cardinals and bishops. Next, Cardinal Bergoglio attended the 2005 papal conclave, which followed the death of Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Ratzinger was then elected and became Pope Benedict XVI, and, while the proceedings of a conclave remain a secret, it is widely believed that Cardinal Bergoglio received the second largest number of votes. He returned to Rome in October 2005, to participate in the 11th Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
     
    Then in November 2005, he was elected president of the Argentine bishops’ conference, and was re-elected to another term in 2008. Cardinal Bergoglio used his role as president to organize his fellow bishops against Kirchners’ policies that violated Catholic social teaching. In 2007, Cardinal Bergoglio oversaw the writing of the document released by the General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops Conferences, which provided a united pastoral vision for the region. In this role, he was able to bring about a ‘culture of cooperation’ among the bishops, a skill he would soon need like never before.

A Window to the Soul

Though Bergoglio does not accept many interviews, he has shared enough to give us a glimpse into his personal life and values. When asked, “How would you introduce yourself to a group of people who have no idea who you are?” Cardinal Bergoglio gave a joyful and humble response, “I am Jorge Bergoglio, priest. I like being a priest” (from Ch. 12 of Conversations with Jorge Bergoglio). When asked by Father Spadaro years later, in light of the world seeking increased understanding of the new Roman Pontiff, “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” Pope Francis responded, “I am a sinner. This is the most accurate definition. It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner.”
     
    The word ‘mercy’ encapsulates both his pontificate and his vocation. His favorite painting is the White Crucifixion by 20th century French artist Marc Chagall, a Jew. In the painting, Chagall depicts, in the surrealist style, many disturbing and confusing symbols of atrocities committed against the Jewish people. The focal point, and the only point of solace and peace in the painting, is the face of the crucified Jesus in the center with his eyes closed, wearing a Jewish prayer shawl in place of a loincloth. The image of Jesus is resigned and does not give into torment, while also depicting his mercy on the wrongs around him. It is reminiscent of Pope Francis' Latin motto, miserando atque eligendo. The Pope tells Father Spadaro, “I think the Latin