Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. He became the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francis in honour of St. Francis of Assisi. Since his election on March 13, 2013, he had been recognised for his humility, commitment to social justice, and efforts to reform the Church.
Bergoglio was the eldest of five children born to Italian immigrants Mario José Bergoglio, a railway worker, and Regina María Sívori, a homemaker. He grew up in a middle-class neighbourhood of Buenos Aires and developed a deep faith from an early age. As a teenager, he worked as a janitor and a bouncer before studying chemistry and working as a technician in a food laboratory.
His spiritual journey began in earnest when, at the age of 21, he suffered a severe illness—an infection that led to the removal of part of his lung. During this time, he felt a strong calling to the priesthood. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 and began studying philosophy and theology.
Bergoglio completed his studies at the Colegio de San José in San Miguel and was ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969. He continued his education in Spain and later served as a professor and rector at the seminary in San Miguel, where he became known for his academic rigor and commitment to his students.
In 1973, at the age of 36, he was appointed Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina. This was a tumultuous period, as the country was under a brutal military dictatorship (1976–1983). His leadership during this time remains a topic of debate, but he was known for his efforts to protect people from persecution. Some accounts suggest he quietly helped hide and relocate those targeted by the regime.
Rise in the Church Hierarchy
After serving in various teaching and pastoral roles, Bergoglio was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and later became Archbishop in 1998. During his tenure, he was known for his humble lifestyle—opting to live in a modest apartment, cook his own meals, and use public transportation rather than the luxurious accommodations typically afforded to church leaders.
As Archbishop, he prioritised social justice, speaking out against poverty, economic inequality, and corruption. He was also deeply committed to interfaith dialogue, fostering relationships with leaders of other Christian denominations, Judaism, and Islam. In 2001, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, further elevating his influence within the Church.
Election as Pope
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February 2013—a rare event in Church history—the conclave elected Bergoglio as pope on 13 March, 2013. His election was historic for several reasons: he was the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francis, in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his dedication to poverty and humility.
From the outset, Pope Francis signalled a shift in the papacy. He chose not to live in the Apostolic Palace but instead in a simple guesthouse within the Vatican. He continued his tradition of engaging personally with the poor and marginalised, emphasising a “Church of the poor for the poor.”
Papal Priorities and Reforms
Pope Francis quickly set about reforming the Vatican’s administration, finances, and policies. He sought transparency in the Vatican Bank, tackled financial scandals, and appointed advisory councils to oversee governance. He also emphasised mercy and compassion, focusing on pastoral care rather than rigid doctrinal enforcement.
Global Influence and Controversies
Pope Francis became one of the most influential moral leaders in the world, addressing the United Nations, the U.S. Congress, and international organisations. He spoke out against war, advocated for refugees, and worked to mediate conflicts, such as in South Sudan and Venezuela.
Despite his popularity, he faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives. Throughout his papacy, traditionalists argued that he was too liberal, particularly in his openness to dialogue on issues like divorce, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic systems. Progressives, on the other hand, believed he did not go far enough in addressing gender equality and Church reforms.
