Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Emiliano Lasalvia
Topics: Catholic Church, Jobs, Pope Francis, Religion, World News
Emily Brown
Topics: Catholic Church, Jobs, Pope Francis, Religion, World News
Pope Francis made history when he became the first person from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere to become the leader of the Catholic Church, but years before he was the Pope, he had a very different - and very unexpected - job.
Francis took his position as Pope after the former leader, Benedict XVI, decided to retire from the role in 2013. After more than a decade in his position, Francis died on Easter Monday (April 21) at the age of 88.
Previously known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, or Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina at the Vatican, Francis took on his new name as a tribute to St Francis of Assisi after he was elected in March 2013.
Francis was welcomed as a breath of fresh air by many of his supporters as he moved away from tradition, for example by sharing a bus with other cardinals rather than using the papal limo - but that was hardly the least surprising thing about Pope Francis.
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Before he became Pope, Francis grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he took part in hobbies such as tango dancing and supporting his local football club, San Lorenzo.
According to BBC News, Francis began working while continuing his studies, and one of his jobs stands out against the rest.
It wasn't something religious; it wasn't a leadership role or a position in a church - but it did involve making decisions that could impact people.
You see, long before Francis became Pope, he worked as a nightclub bouncer.
That's right; the man later responsible for making decisions on issues of faith and morality for Catholics was once likely responsible for deciding whether people were allowed inside a club, and breaking up any fights that might have taken place among intoxicated partygoers.
It's a huge contrast to his job in the Vatican, and certainly wasn't on my bingo card for today!
Other internet users have been left shocked by the revelation, with one person on Twitter writing: "I’m not educated about religion much but it’s crazy to see he went from working at a nightclub to being THE POPE."
After hearing the news, another added: "He was the coolest Pope ever!"
In 1992, Francis was named Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, after which he went on to become Archbishop.
Just under a decade later, Francis was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, a move which paved the way to him being elected as Pope after Benedict XVI became the first leader to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years.