In the annals of the Catholic Church’s rich history, few figures have captured global admiration quite like Pope Francis.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in the modest Buenos Aires neighborhood of Flores, Pope Francis has carved a unique path to the papacy, marked not only by his religious devotion but also by a series of fascinating life experiences that reflect his grounded nature and deep connection to ordinary people.
Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he was elected as the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His election was notable on several fronts: he became the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,300 years, succeeding Pope Gregory III of Syria who was elected in 731.
The son of an Italian immigrant father and an Italian-Argentine mother, Pope Francis was the eldest of five children. His upbringing was modest, rooted in the working-class ethos of his family.
Before joining the priesthood, he led a life that many might find surprising for someone destined for spiritual leadership. As a young man, Bergoglio worked as a janitor and later as a nightclub bouncer. He also trained as a chemical technician, showcasing his scientific curiosity before he ultimately turned toward theology.
Ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming head of the Society of Jesus in Argentina and Uruguay by the age of 36—a position he held from 1973 to 1979. His tenure was marked by a commitment to humility and service, values that would come to define his papacy.
In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him as a bishop, and six years later, he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2001, John Paul elevated him to the rank of cardinal. Throughout his rise in the church, Francis remained known for his simplicity and pastoral sensitivity; often choosing public transportation over private cars and residing in modest accommodations instead of the luxurious bishop’s residence.
Pope Francis’s background as a man of the people has shaped his tenure as pontiff. He has consistently emphasized compassion, social justice, and inclusivity, while also championing environmental stewardship and advocating for the poor.
From bouncing unruly patrons at Buenos Aires nightclubs to leading over a billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Francis’s 88-years on earth has inspire millions across the globe.
He headed the Catholic Church as Pope for 12 years.
He died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, as announced by the Vatican.