Pope Francis
| Papal Prayer Service at Saint Matthew Cathedral |
|---|
Stored: Pope Francis
| His Holiness Pope Francis | |
| Bishop of Diocese of Rome | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Buenos Aires |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of Buenos Aires |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 13 December 1969 by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano |
| Consecration: | 27 June 1992 by Cardinal Antonio Quarracino |
| Rank: | Pope |
| Created cardinal: | 21 February 2001 by Pope John Paul II |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Jorge Mario Bergoglio 17 December 1936 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died: | April 2025 Vatican City |
| Nationality: | Argentina |
| Education: | University of Buenos Aires |
| Motto: | "Miserando atque Eligendo" (By having mercy and by choosing) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Latin America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Ineligible |
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936, was the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, serving from his election on 13 March 2013 until his death in April 2025, and the first Jesuit and non-European pope since the 8th century.[1] Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1958, was ordained a priest in 1969, and served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013, becoming a cardinal in 2001.[2] Known for his humility, social justice advocacy, and progressive reforms, Francis emphasized mercy, environmental stewardship through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, and interreligious dialogue, notably signing the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb.[3] His papacy reshaped the College of Cardinals, with 83% of cardinal-electors appointed by him by 2025, reflecting a global and pastoral focus.[4]
Francis’ tenure was marked by bold initiatives, including the Synod on Synodality (2021–2024), which promoted lay participation, and reforms to the Roman Curia via the 2022 constitution Praedicate Evangelium.[5] His progressive stances on climate change, migration, and inclusivity for marginalized groups, including cautious openness to same-sex blessings via Fiducia Supplicans (2023), drew praise but also criticism from conservative Catholics, who accused him of doctrinal ambiguity.[6] Facing health challenges, including respiratory issues, he continued extensive international travels, visiting 63 countries, with his final trip to Ajaccio, Corsica, in December 2024.[7] Francis’ death in April 2025, at age 88, concluded a transformative papacy, leaving a legacy of pastoral outreach and a Church poised for continued reform, though ineligible for the conclave due to his papal role and death.[8]
Biography
Birth and early life
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents, Mario José Bergoglio, a railway worker, and Regina María Sívori, a homemaker.[2] The eldest of five children, he grew up in the Flores neighborhood, immersed in a devout Catholic family and Argentina’s vibrant cultural milieu.[9] His early life was shaped by the Jesuit-run San José College, where he developed an interest in theology and social justice, influenced by Argentina’s Peronist era and economic disparities.[2]
Initially pursuing a career as a chemical technician, Bergoglio worked in a laboratory before experiencing a profound spiritual calling at age 21 during a confession in 1957, prompting him to join the Society of Jesus in 1958.[9] His youth was marked by a love for tango, football, and literature, traits that later humanized his papal persona, though the loss of a lung due to a respiratory infection in his teens foreshadowed lifelong health challenges.[6]
Education
Bergoglio entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1958, studying humanities at the Colegio Máximo de San José in Argentina.[2] He earned a licentiate in philosophy from the same institution in 1960 and taught literature and psychology at Jesuit schools in Santa Fe and Buenos Aires from 1964 to 1966.[10] He pursued theological studies at the Facultad de Teología de San Miguel, completing his formation for priesthood in 1969.[2]
Later, Bergoglio studied in Germany at the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology in 1986, researching the work of Romano Guardini, though he did not complete a doctorate.[9] His education, blending Jesuit intellectualism with practical pastoral experience, equipped him for leadership in Argentina’s complex socio-political context and informed his progressive theological vision as pope.[11]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on 13 December 1969 by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano, Jorge Bergoglio served in various Jesuit roles, including novice master and professor at the Facultad de Teología de San Miguel.[1] Appointed provincial superior of the Argentine Jesuits in 1973 at age 36, he led during Argentina’s turbulent “Dirty War,” navigating accusations of complicity with the military junta, which he later refuted, emphasizing his efforts to protect persecuted individuals.[9] He served as rector of the Colegio Máximo from 1980 to 1986, focusing on spiritual formation.[2]
Bergoglio’s priesthood was marked by a pastoral approach, emphasizing service to the poor in Buenos Aires’ villas miseria (slums).[11] His leadership as Jesuit provincial and later as auxiliary bishop (1992–1997) showcased his ability to balance administrative duties with grassroots ministry, earning him a reputation as a humble, reform-minded cleric.[3] His appointment as coadjutor archbishop in 1997 set the stage for his archiepiscopal role.[1]
Bishop
Appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and titular bishop of Auca on 20 May 1992, Bergoglio was consecrated on 27 June 1992 by Cardinal Antonio Quarracino.[1] He became coadjutor archbishop in 1997 and succeeded Quarracino as Archbishop of Buenos Aires on 28 February 1998, serving until his papal election in 2013.[1] Created cardinal-priest of San Roberto Bellarmino by Pope John Paul II on 21 February 2001, he gained international prominence, declining lavish trappings and living simply.[2]
Elected pope on 13 March 2013 after Benedict XVI’s resignation, Francis led the universal Church, implementing reforms like the Synod on Synodality, curial restructuring, and encyclicals addressing climate change (Laudato Si’) and fraternity (Fratelli Tutti).[5][11] His papacy faced challenges, including conservative opposition to progressive policies and health issues, culminating in his death in April 2025.[6] His global travels, interreligious initiatives, and focus on the marginalized left a lasting impact, though debates over his China policy and doctrinal shifts persisted.[8]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Buenos Aires | Auxiliary Bishop | 20 May 1992 | 3 June 1997 | Titular Bishop of Auca; focused on pastoral outreach in slums |
| Archdiocese of Buenos Aires | Coadjutor Archbishop | 3 June 1997 | 28 February 1998 | Prepared to succeed Cardinal Quarracino |
| Archdiocese of Buenos Aires | Archbishop | 28 February 1998 | 13 March 2013 | Elevated to cardinal in 2001; known for simplicity and social justice |
| Diocese of Rome | Pope | 13 March 2013 | April 2025 | First Jesuit pope; implemented major reforms and global outreach |
Significant events
- Entered the Society of Jesus in 1958.[2]
- Ordained priest on 13 December 1969.[1]
- Appointed provincial superior of Argentine Jesuits in 1973.[2]
- Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992.[1]
- Created cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.[1]
- Elected pope on 13 March 2013, taking the name Francis.[2]
- Issued Laudato Si’ encyclical on environmental stewardship in 2015.[3]
- Signed Document on Human Fraternity with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb in 2019.[3]
- Launched Synod on Synodality in 2021, concluding in 2024.[5]
- Promulgated Praedicate Evangelium for curial reform in 2022.[5]
- Authorized same-sex blessings via Fiducia Supplicans in 2023.[6]
- Died in April 2025, concluding a 12-year papacy.[8]
Books
Written about the bishop
- Ivereigh, Austen (2014). The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope. New York: Henry Holt and Co.. ISBN 978-1627791571. https://www.amazon.com/Great-Reformer-Francis-Making-Radical/dp/1627791574.
- Vallely, Paul (2015). Pope Francis: Untying the Knots. London: Bloomsbury Continuum. ISBN 978-1472903709. https://www.amazon.com/Pope-Francis-Untying-Knots-Revised/dp/1472903706.
- Allen, John L. (30 April 2025). "Pope Francis’ Legacy: A Church of Mercy and Dialogue". https://www.ncregister.com/news/pope-francis-legacy-a-church-of-mercy-and-dialogue.
- Horowitz, Jason (25 April 2025). "Pope Francis, a Pontiff of Contrasts, Dies at 88". https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/world/europe/pope-francis-dead.html.
Written by the bishop
- Francis (2015). Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Vatican City: Vatican Publishing House. ISBN 978-0814647134. https://www.amazon.com/Laudato-Si-Pope-Francis/dp/0814647138.
- Francis (2020). Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship. Vatican City: Vatican Publishing House. ISBN 978-8826605098. https://www.amazon.com/Fratelli-Tutti-Fraternity-Social-Friendship/dp/8826605092.
- Francis (2020). Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1982171865. https://www.amazon.com/Let-Us-Dream-Path-Better/dp/1982171863.
- Francis (2013). Open Mind, Faithful Heart: Reflections on Following Jesus. New York: Crossroad Publishing. ISBN 978-0824519971. https://www.amazon.com/Open-Mind-Faithful-Heart-Reflections/dp/0824519973.
External links
- Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Official Biography of Pope Francis at Vatican.va
- Pope Francis News at Vatican News
- Announcement of Pope Francis’ Death at Vatican Press
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Cheney, David M.. "Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio)". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bb`ergj.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Biographical Profile of His Holiness Pope Francis". https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/biography.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Allen, John L. (30 April 2025). "Pope Francis’ Legacy: A Church of Mercy and Dialogue". https://www.ncregister.com/news/pope-francis-legacy-a-church-of-mercy-and-dialogue.
- ↑ Bartunek, Tom (25 April 2025). "Pope Francis leaves a transformed Church with focus on periphery". https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-leaves-transformed-church-with-focus-periphery-2025-04-25/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Synod on Synodality: A New Way of Being Church". 26 October 2024. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-synodality-final-document-pope-francis.html.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Horowitz, Jason (25 April 2025). "Pope Francis, a Pontiff of Contrasts, Dies at 88". https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/world/europe/pope-francis-dead.html.
- ↑ Cheung, Tony (24 April 2025). "Hong Kong’s Cardinal Stephen Chow to join conclave to elect pope’s successor". https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259807/hongkongs-cardinal-stephen-chow-join-conclave-elect-popes-successor.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 O’Connell, Gerard (25 April 2025). "Pope Francis’ Death Marks End of a Transformative Papacy". https://www.catholicherald.co.uk/2025/04/25/pope-francis-death-marks-end-of-a-transformative-papacy/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Ivereigh, Austen (2014). The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope. New York: Henry Holt and Co.. ISBN 978-1627791571. https://www.amazon.com/Great-Reformer-Francis-Making-Radical/dp/1627791574.
- ↑ "Pope Francis". 1 May 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 de Roux, Antoine (15 March 2023). "Pope Francis: A Jesuit Intellectual with a Pastor’s Heart". https://international.la-croix.com/news/pope-francis-a-jesuit-intellectual-with-a-pastors-heart/.