Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on April 21, 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy as the first Latin American pope in history. His life journey was marked by deep faith, remarkable humility, and significant reforms within the Catholic Church. Below, we reflect on some of the most pivotal moments in the life of Pope Francis.
Early Life and Religious Vocation
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born to Mario Jose Bergoglio, an Italian accountant, and Regina María Sívori, the daughter of Italian immigrants. As the eldest of five siblings, he grew up in Buenos Aires and quickly developed a deep spiritual calling. On December 13, 1969, Bergoglio was ordained a priest with the Jesuit order, a religious path that would shape his future leadership.
Rising Through the Church
In May 1992, Pope Francis was named auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. By 1998, he succeeded Cardinal Antonio Quarracino as the Archbishop of the Argentine capital. His leadership during Argentina’s brutal military dictatorship in the 1970s was not without controversy but ultimately shaped his empathetic stance towards the poor and marginalized.
Elevation to Cardinal and First Signs of Reform
On February 21, 2001, Pope Francis was elevated to the cardinalate by St. John Paul II. His deep concerns about the church’s role in society were evident when, in May 2007, he helped draft a pivotal document in Brazil that would define his future papacy. The document reflected his commitment to the poor, Indigenous peoples, and the environment.
A New Era: Election as Pope
On March 13, 2013, Pope Francis made history by becoming the 266th pope. Not only was he the first from the Americas, but he also broke tradition by choosing the name “Francis,” after St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his commitment to humility, simplicity, and a deep care for the poor.
Focus on the Poor, Environment, and Social Justice
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis championed social justice and environmental causes. He issued his landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ in June 2015, calling for urgent action to address climate change and the exploitation of the Earth’s resources. His famous visit to Lampedusa in July 2013, where he met with migrants, highlighted his deep concern for displaced people and his condemnation of the “globalization of indifference.”
Major Reforms and Controversies
Pope Francis was known for his bold reforms within the church. In 2015, he famously declared that “Who am I to judge?” signaling a more inclusive attitude towards LGBTQ+ individuals. However, his papacy was also marked by challenges, including the 2018 sex abuse scandals and his controversial stance on divorced and remarried Catholics.
Despite facing criticism from more conservative factions, he continued to push for changes to the Church’s approach, including simplifying the annulment process and speaking out against the use of capital punishment.
A Legacy of Compassion and Service
One of Pope Francis’ most defining characteristics was his deep humility. In 2015, he opened the Jubilee of Mercy, offering forgiveness to the faithful and emphasizing the Church’s role as a place of compassion. His outreach extended to other religions, including a landmark meeting with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch in 2016.
His love for the marginalized was also evident in his efforts to support refugees, as seen in his 2016 visit to a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece, where he brought Syrian Muslims to Rome to offer them safety.
Pope Francis: Final Years and Passing
In his later years, Pope Francis faced health struggles, undergoing surgeries and dealing with respiratory infections. However, he continued to serve the Church with dedication. His final public act occurred on April 20, 2025, when he imparted the Easter blessing to the faithful, followed by a farewell ride in the popemobile.
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and unwavering service to both the Church and the world.
Pope Francis’ life was not just about the papacy but about how he lived with and for others. His legacy will inspire future generations to act with love, humility, and a commitment to social justice.
