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15 Interesting Facts About Pope Francis You Probably Didn’t Know

By Editorial Staff in Life Style On 21st December 2014

Christmas is the special time of the year when people tend to go to church more often and have better understanding for spiritual matters than usual. Moreover, the leader of the Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Francis, has his 78th birthday on 17 December so we decided to dedicate today´s post to him. While some things about this extraordinary man are well-known, there many insightful facts about Pope Francis you might have never heard of. To expand your knowledge of the current Pope, check out these 15 interesting facts about Pope Francis you probably didn't know.

#1

In 2013, American news magazine the Time named Pope Francis the Person of the Year, a prestigious title given to the one who "has done the most to influence the events of the year".

#2

Famous for his fondness for soccer, His Holiness is often given soccer jerseys. Presidents, dignitaries, celebrities as well random pilgrims have all given him soccer jerseys (some of them personalized), creating an impressive collection that many soccer fans can be envious

#3

As a cardinal with access to the renowned Archbishop chef, Francis still cooked his own meals by himself in his small apartment in downtown Buenos Aires. As the Pope, he made a surprising visit to the Vatican cafeteria to eat with local workers.

#4

Pope Francis´ favorite painting is The White Crucifixion by Marc Chagall. The painting shows Jesus being crucified on the cross, wearing a prayer shawl as a symbol that he is Jewish.

#5

In 2001, as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he washed and kissed the feet of 12 patients with AIDS at an Argentine hospice.

#6

Pope Francis is a legal citizen of three different countries. Apart from Argentina where he was born and raised, he is also a citizen of Italy (because of a legal tradition and his Italian parentage) and since Vatican is as a sovereign entity with the Pope as its leader, it makes three countries in total.

#7

His Holiness studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Buenos Aires and also has a master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires.

#8

The Pontiff was given a Harley-Davidson motorcycle after he gave blessings to hundreds of Harley owners and their rides in St. Peter's Square. He sold the bike at an auction that benefited the homeless.

#9

Pope Francis' acts remind people of scenes from the Bible. He embraced and blessed a man covered in tumors (similarly to the story of Jesus who healed lepers) and washed the feet of juvenile delinquents, including a Muslim woman.

#10

At the age of 12, he fell in love with a girl from his neighborhood. He reportedly told her, "If I don't marry you, I'm going to be a priest." Even in this case, the Pontiff kept his word.

#11

From 1998 to 2013, he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2001, he was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II.

#12

The official name of the Pope is not Francis I but just Pope Francis. It will become Francis I after there is another Pope Francis II.

#13

As a young teen, the Pope used to play basketball (influenced by his father who played basketball for San Lorenzo) so he has also received many basketball jerseys including the personalized jersey of NBA´s Boston Celtics.

#14

#15

Apart from his modesty and humility, the Pontiff is also known to have a good sense of humor. When he was elected as Pope, he reportedly told other cardinals, "May God forgive you for what you have done." He was also photographed while good-naturedly trying on a red nose used by clowns.