Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, stands as one of the most influential and transformative figures in the modern history of the Catholic Church.
Elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis is a man of firsts: the first Jesuit to lead the Church, the first pope from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
His choice of the name Francis—evoking St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of poverty, peace, and creation—signaled from the outset a papacy rooted in humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to the marginalized.
As of March 6, 2025, Pope Francis’ leadership continues to resonate worldwide, blending a profound spiritual legacy with a bold call for social justice and renewal.
Born to Italian immigrants in a working-class neighborhood, Bergoglio’s early life was shaped by faith, family, and resilience.
A chemical technician turned priest, Pope Francis’ path to the papacy was neither conventional nor predictable.
It was marked by a transformative encounter with God’s mercy in his youth, a rigorous Jesuit formation, and decades of service amid Argentina’s political turmoil and social inequality.
Rising from a parish priest to cardinal, Pope Francis gained a reputation as a “bishop of the slums,” eschewing privilege for a life of simplicity and solidarity with the poor.
His election as pope came at a pivotal moment for the Church, following the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and thrust him into a global role he has embraced with both pastoral warmth and reforming zeal.
This biography traces the full arc of Pope Francis’ life—from his childhood in Buenos Aires to his groundbreaking papacy—exploring the experiences, decisions, and convictions that have defined him.
It delves into his formative years, his leadership during Argentina’s dark days, his ascent within the Church, and his efforts to steer Catholicism toward a more inclusive and merciful future.
Through his words and actions, Pope Francis has challenged the faithful and the world alike to confront issues of poverty, environmental degradation, and human dignity, while navigating the complexities of tradition and modernity.
As Pope Francis’ story unfolds, it reveals a man whose journey from the peripheries of society to the heart of the Vatican embodies a timeless message: that true power lies in service, and true faith in love.
Bio-Data
| Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Papal name: Francis) |
| Age | 88 years old |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1936 |
| Place of Birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Parents | Mario José Bergoglio (father), Regina María Sívori (mother) |
| Country | Argentina (birth); Vatican City (current residency as sovereign) |
| Philosophy | Emphasizes mercy, social justice, environmental stewardship, and a “poor Church for the poor,” inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s focus on humility, peace, and care for creation |
| Current Position | Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City State (elected March 13, 2013) |
| Source | Bsgistnews.com |
Early Life
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents.
His father, Mario José Bergoglio, was a railway worker who had emigrated from Piedmont, Italy, and his mother, Regina María Sívori, was a housewife of Italian descent.
Jorge was the eldest of five children in a working-class family that lived in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
Raised in a devout Catholic household, he attended Mass regularly and was deeply influenced by his grandmother, Rosa, who taught him to pray and instilled in him a strong sense of faith.
As a young man, Bergoglio was bright and studious.
He attended Wilfrid Barón de los Santos Ángeles, a Salesian school, before transferring to a technical school, Escuela Nacional de Educación Técnica No. 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen, where he earned a diploma as a chemical technician.
After graduation, he worked briefly in a laboratory and even took a job as a bouncer at a nightclub to make ends meet.
However, a pivotal moment came in his late teens when he experienced a profound spiritual awakening.
On September 21, 1953, while on his way to celebrate the “Day of the Student,” he stopped at the Basilica of San José de Flores to confess.
There, he felt what he later described as a transformative encounter with God’s mercy, which set him on the path to priesthood.
Jesuit Formation and Priesthood
At the age of 21, Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on March 11, 1958, drawn to their intellectual rigor, missionary spirit, and commitment to the poor.
His journey to priesthood was not without challenges.
In the late 1950s, he contracted a severe lung infection, which led to the removal of part of his right lung.
Despite this health setback, he persevered in his studies and training.
Bergoglio completed his novitiate and took his first vows in 1960.
He then pursued a degree in philosophy at the Colegio Máximo de San José in San Miguel, Argentina, graduating in 1963.
From 1964 to 1966, he taught literature and psychology at Jesuit schools, including the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe and the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires.
His teaching years revealed his ability to connect with young people, a trait that would later define his pastoral style.
He returned to San Miguel for theological studies and was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969, by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano.
After further Jesuit training, including a period in Spain, he took his final vows as a Jesuit in 1973, committing himself fully to the order’s mission.
Rise in the Church
Bergoglio’s leadership abilities were quickly recognized within the Jesuits.
In 1973, at the age of 36, he was appointed Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, a role he held until 1979.
His tenure coincided with a tumultuous period in Argentina’s history, marked by political instability and the military dictatorship known as the “Dirty War” (1976–1983).
During this time, Bergoglio worked to protect Jesuits and others from the regime’s violence, though his actions later became a subject of scrutiny.
Some critics accused him of not doing enough to oppose the dictatorship, while others praised his discreet efforts to save lives, including hiding dissidents and helping them flee the country.
After his term as Provincial, Bergoglio served as rector of the Colegio Máximo and continued teaching theology.
In 1986, he traveled to Germany to work on a doctoral dissertation, though he did not complete it.
Returning to Argentina, he resumed pastoral work, serving in parishes and focusing on the marginalized.
On May 20, 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires and titular Bishop of Auca.
He was consecrated a bishop on June 27, 1992.
Five years later, in 1997, he became Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires, positioning him to succeed Cardinal Antonio Quarracino.
On February 28, 1998, Bergoglio was named Archbishop of Buenos Aires, a role in which he became known for his simplicity, accessibility, and advocacy for the poor.
In 2001, John Paul II elevated him to the rank of cardinal, assigning him the titular church of San Roberto Bellarmino.
As cardinal, Bergoglio eschewed the luxurious trappings often associated with his office.
He lived in a modest apartment, cooked his own meals, and took public transportation rather than a chauffeured car.
He gained a reputation as a “bishop of the slums,” frequently visiting Buenos Aires’ poorest neighborhoods to celebrate Mass and support community projects.
Pope Francis Election as Pope
Cardinal Bergoglio’s life changed dramatically on March 13, 2013.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI—the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years—a conclave of cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
After five ballots, Bergoglio emerged as the successor, chosen for his humility, pastoral focus, and ability to bridge divides within the Church.
He took the name Francis, becoming the first pope to adopt the name of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint known for his love of poverty, peace, and creation.
At 76 years old, he was also the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
His election was marked by an immediate display of humility.
On the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he appeared in simple white vestments, declined the traditional red cape, and asked the crowd to pray for him before offering his blessing.
This set the tone for a papacy defined by accessibility and reform.
Papacy and Reforms
Pope Francis’ pontificate has been characterized by a focus on mercy, social justice, and renewal within the Catholic Church.
He has sought to shift the Church’s emphasis from rigid doctrine to compassionate outreach, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay individuals seeking God.
His first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (2013), outlined his vision for a Church that is “poor and for the poor,” urging Catholics to engage with the world’s suffering.
Francis has tackled numerous issues, including:
Church Reform: He restructured the Vatican’s finances, cracked down on corruption, and streamlined the Curia.
The creation of the Council of Cardinals in 2013 was a key step in decentralizing Church governance.
Environmental Advocacy: His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ addressed climate change and the moral duty to care for the planet, earning praise from environmentalists worldwide.
Interfaith Dialogue: Francis has built bridges with other religions, notably during his 2019 visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he signed a historic document on human fraternity with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb.
Social Issues: He has spoken out against economic inequality, human trafficking, and the mistreatment of migrants, often visiting refugees and washing the feet of prisoners and the marginalized during Holy Thursday celebrations.
His papacy has not been without controversy. Conservative factions within the Church have criticized his progressive stances on divorce, remarriage, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, while some liberals feel he has not gone far enough on issues like women’s ordination.
Nevertheless, his approachable demeanor—seen in his use of social media, unscripted remarks, and personal phone calls to ordinary people—has made him a global figure of hope.
Personal Life and Legacy of the Pope
As of March 6, 2025, Pope Francis, now 88, remains active despite health challenges, including respiratory issues and knee pain that have required him to use a wheelchair at times.
He continues to travel, with notable trips including a 2023 visit to Mongolia and ongoing plans to engage with the global Church.
His writings, such as Fratelli Tutti (2020) on fraternity and social friendship, reflect his commitment to unity in a polarized world.
Pope Francis’ legacy is still unfolding, but he is widely regarded as a transformative figure who has brought the Church closer to the people.
His emphasis on humility, mercy, and care for the marginalized has reshaped the papacy for a modern age, earning him admiration far beyond Catholic circles.
Conclusion
As of March 6, 2025, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, remains a towering figure whose life and leadership have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world.
From his humble beginnings in the working-class streets of Buenos Aires to his historic election as the first Jesuit pope from the Americas, Pope Francis’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
At 88 years old, despite physical frailties that have slowed his step, Pope Francis continues to guide the Church with a vision rooted in mercy, simplicity, and a call to action—urging humanity to bridge divides, care for the planet, and embrace the poorest among us.
His papacy, now in its twelfth year, has been a dynamic blend of continuity and change. Pope Francis has not rewritten Catholic doctrine, but he has reframed its emphasis, shifting the Church’s gaze from rigid orthodoxy to the lived realities of the faithful.
His landmark writings, such as Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si’, and Fratelli Tutti, have articulated a gospel of joy, ecological stewardship, and universal brotherhood, resonating far beyond the Vatican’s walls.
Pope Francis’ personal touch—seen in his rejection of pomp, his visits to prisons and refugee camps, and his unscripted outreach—has redefined the papacy as a ministry of presence rather than power.
Yet, Pope Francis’s tenure has not been without tension.
His progressive leanings have sparked resistance from traditionalists, while his cautious approach to structural reforms has frustrated some reformers.
This duality underscores the complexity of his mission: to renew a centuries-old institution while preserving its essence.
Looking back, Pope Francis’ life reveals a consistent thread of service.
Whether as a young priest teaching in Jesuit schools, a bishop navigating Argentina’s “Dirty War,” or a pontiff confronting global crises, he has sought to embody the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi—whose name he chose as a promise to the poor and a prayer for peace.
His legacy, still unfolding, is likely to be measured not in grand edifices or doctrinal shifts, but in the countless lives touched by his example: the prisoner whose feet he washed, the migrant he welcomed, the young person he inspired to faith amid a secular age.
Critics and admirers alike cannot deny his impact— Pope Francis has brought the Church to the peripheries, challenging a world often indifferent to suffering to see the divine in the overlooked.
As Pope Francis continues his ministry, the question of what lies ahead looms large.
His health challenges and the natural limits of age suggest that his pontificate may soon draw to a close, yet his influence will endure.
Pope Francis has sown seeds of hope, dialogue, and compassion that will shape the Church and humanity for generations.
His biography is not merely the story of a man who became pope, but of a soul who, through trials and triumphs, chose to live the Gospel in its simplest, most radical form.
In an era of division and uncertainty, Jorge Mario Bergoglio—Pope Francis—stands as a beacon of what it means to lead with love, proving that even from the humblest origins, one can change the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, elected on March 13, 2013. He is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
2. When was Pope Francis born?
He was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents.
3. What is Pope Francis’ real name?
His birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
4. Why did he choose the name Francis?
He chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his commitment to poverty, peace, and care for creation.
5. Where is Pope Francis from?
He hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was raised in a working-class neighborhood by Italian immigrants.
6. How old is Pope Francis in 2025?
As of March 6, 2025, he is 88 years old, having been born in 1936.
7. What did Pope Francis do before becoming pope?
He worked as a chemical technician, taught literature and psychology, and served as a Jesuit priest, provincial superior, and Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
8. When did Pope Francis become pope?
He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
9. Why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?
Benedict XVI resigned in February 2013 due to declining health, making Francis’ election the first in nearly 600 years to follow a papal resignation.
10. Is Pope Francis a Jesuit?
Yes, he is the first Jesuit pope, having joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and taking his final vows in 1973.
11. What health issues does Pope Francis have?
He has faced respiratory issues (part of his lung was removed in his youth), knee pain requiring a wheelchair, and occasional bouts of illness in recent years.
12. What is Pope Francis’ stance on climate change?
He strongly advocates for environmental care, as outlined in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, calling it a moral duty to combat climate change.
13. What does Pope Francis believe about gay rights?
He has expressed a welcoming stance, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” about gay individuals seeking God, though he upholds traditional Church teachings on marriage.
14. Has Pope Francis changed Church doctrine?
No, he has not altered core doctrines but has emphasized mercy and inclusion, shifting focus from strict rules to pastoral care.
15. What is Laudato Si’ about?
Laudato Si’ (2015) is an encyclical addressing environmental stewardship, linking care for the planet with social justice and faith.
16. What is Fratelli Tutti?
Fratelli Tutti (2020) is an encyclical promoting universal fraternity and social friendship, addressing global issues like inequality and polarization.
17. How does Pope Francis view poverty?
He sees poverty as a central concern, advocating for a “poor Church for the poor” and frequently visiting marginalized communities.
18. What happened during Argentina’s Dirty War under his leadership?
As Jesuit Provincial during the 1976–1983 dictatorship, he worked discreetly to protect people, though some have debated his response to the regime.
19. Is Pope Francis liberal or conservative?
He defies simple labels—progressive on social issues like migration and the environment, but traditional on doctrines like abortion and priesthood.
20. How many languages does Pope Francis speak?
He is fluent in Spanish and Italian, proficient in Latin, and has working knowledge of German, French, and English.
21. Has Pope Francis visited the United States?
Yes, he visited in September 2015, addressing Congress and meeting with President Obama, among other events.
22. What reforms has Pope Francis made in the Vatican?
He has restructured Vatican finances, tackled corruption, and created the Council of Cardinals to decentralize Church governance.
23. Does Pope Francis use social media?
Yes, he has an official @Pontifex account on X, sharing messages in multiple languages to millions of followers.
24. What is Pope Francis’ net worth?
As pope, he has no personal wealth; he lives simply, and his needs are met by the Vatican, which he has sought to make more transparent.
25. Has Pope Francis written any books?
He has authored encyclicals and exhortations like Evangelii Gaudium, but no personal books; many of his speeches have been compiled into publications.
26. Why does Pope Francis live simply?
Inspired by St. Francis, he rejects luxury, living in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace and using modest transportation.
27. What controversies has Pope Francis faced?
He has faced criticism from conservatives for his inclusivity and from progressives for not ordaining women or fully endorsing gay marriage.
28. Is Pope Francis still alive in 2025?
Yes, as of March 6, 2025, he remains alive and active, though his health has been a topic of concern.
29. Who might succeed Pope Francis?
Succession speculation includes cardinals like Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) or Péter Erdő (Hungary), but no clear successor is confirmed.
30. What will Pope Francis’ legacy be?
His legacy is likely to center on mercy, environmental advocacy, and bringing the Church closer to the people, reshaping its role in a modern world.
