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A resolution honoring the life of Pope Francis.
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WHEREAS, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he led the Catholic Church for 12 years, from 2013 until his death; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969; he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 by St. John Paul II, became archbishop of the Argentine capital in 1998, and was created cardinal in 2001; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis ascended to the papacy after the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis rose from modest means in Argentina to become the first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis was an advocate for peace, protecting the most vulnerable, and recognizing the dignity of all people; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis spoke out tirelessly for migrants, the marginalized, and the health of the planet, and reached out to alienated gay Catholics. He traveled to distant and often forgotten countries and sought to improve relations with leaders from across the fragmented Christian world; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis led a life of humility, compassion, and social justice; and
WHEREAS, upon the passing of Pope Francis, Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville stated, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on Easter Monday. His humility, faith, and service to God and the faithful left an indelible mark throughout the world. Hallmarks of his papacy included advocating for the poor, environmentalism, interfaith dialogue, support for immigrants, and Catholic Church reform. I especially appreciate his love and support for the people of Nashville after The Covenant School shooting in March 2023;" and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honor the life of Pope Francis and recognize his indelible impact on the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Me...
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