Australia and the World Past and Present

Pope Francis ordained in 1969. From then on his career was on the up and up.

But in 1990 he was sent from Buenos Aires to live in the city of Córdoba. Some say that there was nothing strange in a Jesuit priest being moved from a position of high power to a more lowly position. However, others saw it as a kind of punishment for the future pope.

He lived in the Manzana Jesuitica, or ‘Jesuit Block’.

This was after Argentina’s Dirty War (1976-1983). Bergoglio was never enamoured with Liberation Theology. Some Argentinians thought that Bergoglio had not been vocal enough in opposing the junta. Those who had been ‘disappeared’ (Los disaparecidos) were an open wound for the country. Priests more sympathetic to Liberation Theology rose to positions of Jesuit leadership within Argentina.

Bergoglio went to Germany to work on a doctoral dissertation but returned after only 3 months. That is when he was moved to Córdoba.

He didn’t have a lot to do there. He would hear people’s confessions and fill in to conduct Mass when the principal was away.

He prayed a lot and wrote a little.

He prepared meals and ate simply.

His life in Córdoba was one of introspection. Some have suggested that this was time of much suffering for the future Pope. No doubt he would have reflected on the crucifixion of Jesus and the suffering one endures in life.

By 1992 he had been appointed auxiliary bishop in Buenos Aires, his exile ended and his upwards progression back on track.

Bergoglio’s time in Córdoba is not as well known as other parts of his biography. His career was not one of simple linear progression. He had ups and downs like the rest of us. It may have been a time of suffering in his life, but he still answered it with prayer and service for others.