The Life

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in a modest home with strong Catholic values. After a brief career as a chemical technician, he joined the Jesuit order in 1958, taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Ordained a priest in 1969, he quickly rose through the ranks, known for his humility, intellect, and deep concern for the poor. He became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. Bergoglio’s leadership style was simple and pastoral—he took public buses, cooked his own meals, and lived in a small apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace.

On March 13, 2013, he was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. His papacy was marked by a commitment to mercy, reform, and outreach to the marginalized. He emphasized environmental responsibility, interfaith dialogue, and a church that “goes out to the peripheries.” He challenged both conservative and liberal wings of the Church, calling for unity, compassion, and an open heart.

Pope Francis remained a global moral voice throughout his reign, even as he faced criticism and internal resistance. He chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and continued to prioritize simplicity over tradition. In his final years, his health declined, but his voice remained steady—calling for peace, justice, and a return to the essence of the Gospel.

Pope Francis passed away peacefully in April 2025, leaving behind a legacy of bridge-building, humility, and relentless advocacy for the poor and the planet. He will be remembered not just as a pope, but as a shepherd who walked closely with his flock.