On a piece of scrap paper, write 3 things that you associate with the man in this picture. Who is he? What are some of the things Pope Francis has done since he has been pope? On the next slide, enjoy some fun and interesting images of Pope Francis.

Here is Jorge Bergoglio riding the subway in Buenos Aires before he became pope. Here he is taking a selfie with some teenagers in St. Peter’s Basilica... Here, a fascinated little boy comes to sit in the Pope’s chair during a speech... Here is Pope Francis washing the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday...

What has marked the papacy of Francis? First, think about things you have heard about Pope Francis. What have you noticed him doing in pictures from the news you have seen of him? Next, explore the writings of Pope Francis since he has been pope. See where Pope Francis has traveled around the world as pope. Then, learn about Pope Francis’ love for the poor and his encouragement for the Church to go out to “the periphery.” Finally, read Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for the month of September and think about how you can pray for him and his intentions every month.

The Writings of Pope Francis Since his election to the papacy on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis has written two encyclicals and one apostolic exhortation. According to its etymology, an encyclical letter (from the Greek for circle) is a circular letter. It is a letter addressed to different audiences (described at the beginning of the letter) in which the Holy Father communicates important teachings related to a pastoral issue concerning a matter of doctrine, morality, devotion, or discipline to (usually) members of the Church. An apostolic exhortation is similar to an encyclical letter but also slightly different. It encourages a community of people to undertake a particular activity but does not define Church doctrine as an encyclical does. It is considered lower in formal authority than a papal encyclical.

Latin TitleEnglish Title Type of Document Date Lumen FideiLight of FaithEncyclical LetterJune 29, 2013 Evangelii GaudiumJoy of the Gospel Apostolic Exhortation November 24, 2013 Laudato Si’Praise Be to YouEncyclical LetterMarch 24, 2015 The Writings of Pope Francis See here for a movie with quotes from Laudato Si’. As you watch, writehere down at least one thing that strikes you about it. On the next slide is the prayer by St. Francis called, Canticle of Brother Sun, from which the title of the encyclical, Laudato Si’, came.

Most High, all powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing. To You alone, Most High, do they belong, and no man is worthy to mention Your name. Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness. Praise be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind, and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather through which You give sustenance to Your creatures. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love, and bear infirmity and tribulation. Blessed are those who endure in peace for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned. Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no living man can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin. Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy willl, for the second death shall do them no harm. Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility. Amen. The Canticle of Brother Sun by St. Francis

The Travels of Pope Francis Travel of popes outside of Rome was historically rare, until the papacy of St. John Paul II who is the most widely traveled pope in history. He visited 129 countries during his 27 years as pope. Since the pope is head of the Roman Catholic Church across the globe, he travels to all parts of the world to meet his representatives, fellow Catholics, non-Catholics and world religious and political leaders. See pictures and learn more about Pope Francis’ travels at The Vatican website here.here

Pope Francis and the Periphery Pope Francis is often reminding the Church that, "The Gospel’s message is for everyone, the Gospel does not condemn the wealthy, but the idolatry of wealth, the idolatry that makes people indifferent to the call of the poor.” The Holy Father has a great love for the poor and is always asking the Church to remember the poor. “The periphery” is the word he uses to describe the people in our culture that are on the outskirts of society, often because they are poor. These are the people preferred by Jesus, and Pope Francis says they should also be very special to us.

Read these lines from Evangelii Gaudium (no. 46, 49) and think about “the periphery.” Does it help you understand what Pope Francis is teaching us about “the periphery”? “A Church which ‘goes forth’ is a Church whose doors are open. Go out to others in order to reach the fringes of humanity.” “Let us go forth, then, let us go forth to offer everyone the life of Jesus Christ... I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined from clinging to its own security.” “If something should rightly disturb us and trouble our consciences, it is the fact that so many of our brothers and sisters are living without the strength, light, and consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ, without a community of faith to support them, without meaning and a goal in life.” “More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: ‘Give them something to eat.’”

Read the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12), and think of Pope Francis’ message about “the periphery.” How can we follow what he has been teaching us?

Pope Francis’ Monthly Prayer Intentions For September: Universal: That opportunities for education and employment may increase for all young people. Evangelization: That catechists may give witness by living in a way consistent with the faith they proclaim. To pray these intentions every month, please see here.here