Pope Francis Rises from Humble Beginnings to Transform a Global Church with Compassion and Reform

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents. As the eldest of five children, he was raised in a Catholic household and attended a Catholic grade school. After graduating from a trade high school with a diploma in chemical technology, he worked in a food laboratory, showcasing early interest in science and practical skills.

Overcoming Health Challenges, Bergoglio Embraced Faith, Social Justice, and Church Leadership

At age 21, Bergoglio suffered from a life-threatening case of pneumonia and had cysts on his lung, which led to the partial removal of one lung. This health condition had a lasting impact on his life. At 22, he was inspired to join the seminary and deepened his studies in Chile before officially beginning his Jesuit formation in Argentina at age 24. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and took his final Jesuit vows in 1973.

Bergoglio’s dedication to faith and social justice earned him recognition within the Catholic Church. In 2001, he was appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. His reputation grew as he took on increasing political responsibilities in the church while continuing to live modestly and advocate for the poor and marginalized.

From Papal Contender To Humble Leader Shaping A Legacy Of Compassion And Reform

Although he was considered a papal contender after John Paul II’s death in 2005, the conclave elected Benedict XVI. When Benedict resigned in 2013 due to health reasons—the first papal resignation in centuries—Bergoglio was elected Pope on the second day of the conclave. He chose the name Francis to honor Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and service to the poor. He became the first Latin American and first Jesuit Pope.

Pope Francis was known for his linguistic fluency and chose to live in a guesthouse rather than the traditional Papal residence, underscoring his preference for simplicity. He passed away on April 21, 2025—Easter Monday—due to complications from pneumonia and a stroke, at the age of 88. His papacy left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church for its emphasis on compassion, inclusivity, and reform.