Pope Francis’ Biography

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, came from an Italian immigrant family. After earning a degree as a chemical technician, he chose to dedicate himself to consecrated life. On March 11, 1958, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969.

In 1973, he became the Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina, though his tenure was interrupted by the Argentine military dictatorship. During this period, he was placed under house arrest, but resumed his role as Provincial after the dictatorship ended in 1980.

In 1992, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires and, in 1998, was named Archbishop. During his tenure, he became known for his simplicity, humility, and commitment to the poor. He did not limit himself to administrative duties but frequently visited the most impoverished communities to offer support.

On March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope by the papal conclave and took the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor. He became the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to adopt the name Francis, symbolizing a return to the preferential option for the poor, closeness to God’s creation, and the simplicity of life associated with Saint Francis of Assisi.

In April 2022, during a visit to Canada, Pope Francis issued an apology to Indigenous peoples for the Catholic Church’s role in the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual abuses inflicted in residential schools. He acknowledged the deep and lasting harm these abuses caused to Indigenous children and their communities.

During his trip, the pope met with Canadian authorities, including the Governor General and the Prime Minister, to discuss the social, environmental, and ethical challenges facing the country, particularly in relation to social justice, inequality, and environmental preservation.

Pope Francis’ pontificate has been marked by a consistent desire to bring God’s mercy to the vulnerable and marginalized in society. During his pontificate, he focused on specific themes such as the relief of poverty, the welcoming of migrants and refugees, and the fight against social injustice. In his encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015), he underscores the importance of integral ecology, calling for the protection of creation and a global ecological conversion.

He also undertook a series of internal reforms within the Vatican, aiming to improve the Church’s financial management and promote greater transparency, as well as to update the organization of the Roman Curia, the central administration of the Church. He has also highlighted the role of women in the Church, supporting their appointment to positions of responsibility within the Vatican and encouraging greater female participation in ecclesial life. Through the Synod on Synodality, he has called for a more participatory Church, encouraging open and inclusive dialogue.

Additionally, in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (2013), Pope Francis calls for a Church which goes forth, mission-oriented, and close to the peripheries, emphasizing the urgency of new evangelization and greater solidarity with the most vulnerable in order to build a more just and fraternal world.

Pope Francis has also spoken on various societal issues, advocating for more open dialogue while preserving the Church’s fundamental teachings. He has shown great openness towards other religions, especially Judaism and Islam, and has launched diplomatic initiatives to promote peace and reconciliation in conflict zones. In his encyclical Fratelli Tutti (2020), he emphasized fraternity and dialogue, promoting peace, encounter, and solidarity among people and religions. Pope Francis has continuously reaffirmed his commitment to peace, calling for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, including in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and elsewhere.

Pope Francis passed away in Rome on April 21, 2025.

Pope Francis left a profound mark on the history of the Church through his humility, openness to the world, and commitment to the poor. His pontificate, characterized by a constant call for mercy and fraternity, reinforced the importance of love for others and social justice. His legacy will endure through his words, actions, and example of authentic Christian life.

Key Dates in the Life of Jorge Bergoglio

December 17, 1936: Jorge Mario Bergoglio born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents
1957: Falls severely sick of pneumonia at age 21 and his right lung is partially removed
March 11, 1958: Enters the novitiate of the Society of Jesus
March 12, 1960: Takes his first vows as Jesuit
1961–1963: Studies philosophy at San Miguel Seminary in Buenos Aires
December 13, 1969: Ordained a priest
1973: Professes his perpetual vows as a Jesuit
1973–1979: Serves as Superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina and Uruguay
1979–1985: Serves as theology teacher and rector of Colegio Maximo
1986: Finishes his doctoral thesis in Germany
June 27, 1992: Ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires
June 3, 1997: Named Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires
February 28, 1998: Installed as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires
February 21, 2001: Elevated to Cardinal
April 2005: Participates in conclave that elects Pope Benedict XVI
July 24-29, 2022: Penitential visit to Canada
February 14, 2025: Admitted to hospital for treatment of bronchitis

• Pope Francis, born in Argentina, is the Church’s first Latin American Pope.
• He is also the first Jesuit Pope.
• Before he entered the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto, Pope Francis graduated from a technical school, where he trained as a chemical technician.
• Pope Francis once taught literature and psychology.
• His first international visit (Apostolic Journey) as Pope was to Brazil, in July 2013.
• He was the first Pope to be honoured as “Man of the Year” by Time magazine in 2013.

Pope Francis has chosen the motto “Miserando atque eligendo”, which means “By having mercy on him and choosing him”.

The Holy Father’s coat of arms  is similar to what he had as Archbishop of Buenos Aires: the blue field is surmounted by the mitre as Bishop of Rome and the keys of Saint Peter; the cross at the centre is the symbol of the Jesuits; the flaming sun with the letters IHS  recall Our Lord’s saving mission (IHS is a Latin acronym for the words “Jesus Saviour of Humanity”); the star represents the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the flower of the spikenard or nard is used in Spanish iconography to represent Saint Joseph.

Role – The Pope performs three roles: he is the Bishop of Rome, Shepherd of the Universal Church, and Head of State of Vatican City.

As Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis is fully responsible for the Diocese of Rome, since he became the successor to Apostle Peter, the first Bishop of Rome. Popes throughout Church history have always placed much importance on their role as Bishop of Rome, despite the heavy responsibilities of the Universal Church. To meet the needs of the approximately 2.5 million Catholics in his diocese, the Pope is assisted by a Cardinal Vicar and a number of Auxiliary Bishops.

As Shepherd of the Universal Church, the Pope, aided by all the world’s Bishops, is charged with the pastoral care  of all the Church In order to perform this responsibility in communion and collaboration, the Pope and the College of Bishops are assisted by a number of offices in Rome operating under the authority of the Pope. These offices are collectively known as the Roman Curia or the dicasteries of the Holy See.

As Head of State of Vatican City, the Pope has complete legislative, executive and judicial authority which is separate from the governance of the Church. Vatican City is a tiny autonomous state (the smallest in the world), which allows the Holy See to be independent from other  political powers.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has published numerous key documents that have shaped the life of the Church and its dialogue with the world. These writings offer a pastoral vision rooted in the Gospel and open to contemporary challenges.

For the full list of papal works, visit Vatican Website

• Integral Ecology: His encyclical Laudato Si’ calls for the protection of creation and an ecological conversion.
• Fraternity and Dialogue: Fratelli Tutti encourages peace, encounter, and solidarity between peoples and religions.
• Addressing Abuse: Commitment to protecting victims and establishing preventive measures.
• Synodality: Invitation to a more participatory Church with the Synod on Synodality.
• Pontifical Diplomacy: Mediation for peace and defense of the rights of migrants and refugees.
• Pastoral Support: Special attention to young people, families, and those distant from the Church.
• Importance for the Poor: Pope Francis places the marginalized and excluded at the heart of his ministry.
• Church Reform: He continues the transformation of the Curia and strengthens financial transparency.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening relations with Islam, Judaism, and other spiritual traditions.
• Commitment to Peace: Constant calls for peaceful conflict resolution, particularly in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and elsewhere.
• Role of Women in the Church: Appointment of women to leadership positions in the Vatican and encouragement for greater female participation in the Church’s life.
• Relationship with Canada: Commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, notably through his 2022 visit and his apology for abuses in residential schools.
• Christus Vivit:  Encouragement to young people to embrace their faith and vocation with joy and hope.