Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, entered the world in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a city that would play a significant role in shaping his future. At the tender age of 17, Bergoglio made the profound decision to dedicate his life to the service of others, choosing to pursue a path that would ultimately lead him to the highest echelons of the Catholic Church. He joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, a prestigious order of priests known for their intellectual rigor and commitment to social justice.
As he continued on his spiritual journey, Bergoglio's leadership abilities and unwavering dedication to his faith caught the attention of the Church hierarchy. In 1992, he was appointed as an auxiliary bishop, a position that would serve as a stepping stone for his future ascension to the papacy. Eight years later, in 1998, Bergoglio was elevated to the position of Archbishop of Buenos Aires, a role that would allow him to exercise significant influence over the Catholic Church in Argentina.
However, it was not until the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013 that Bergoglio's destiny would be forever altered. Elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, Bergoglio chose the papal name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian saint known for his devotion to poverty and his advocacy for the poor and marginalized. As Pope Francis, he would go on to make history as the first pope from South America and the first from outside Europe since the 8th century.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for social justice, climate action, and the protection of the most vulnerable members of society. He has also taken significant steps to reform the Catholic Church, including the establishment of a commission to investigate allegations of abuse against priests and the simplification of certain Church rituals.
Despite his many accomplishments, Pope Francis's time on this earth was not without its challenges. On April 21, 2025, he passed away at the age of 95 in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
