Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. He was elected as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. He is the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
Before becoming Pope, Bergoglio was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969, and from 1973 to 1979, he served as the Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, a position he held until his papal election, and was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
Pope Francis is known for his humility, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He has emphasized the church's mission to be merciful and welcoming to all, especially the marginalized and those in need. He has been a vocal advocate for tackling climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice. Pope Francis has also sought to modernize aspects of the church's approach to pastoral care, though his reforms have sparked various reactions within the Catholic community.
Firsts: He is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
Humility and Simplicity: His choice of the name "Francis," after Saint Francis of Assisi, reflects his emphasis on poverty, simplicity, and the care of the poor. His own lifestyle choices, including residing in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal apartments, demonstrate this commitment.
Social and Environmental Advocacy: Pope Francis is vocal about issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the need for compassion towards refugees and migrants. His encyclical "Laudato si'" addresses environmental issues and the importance of caring for our common home.
Focus on Mercy and Inclusivity: He has emphasized the church's need to be more open and merciful, calling for a church that is more welcoming to all, including those who have felt marginalized by the church in the past, such as the divorced and remarried Catholics and the LGBTQ+ community.
Interfaith Dialogue: He has worked towards improving relations between the Catholic Church and other religions, including Judaism, Islam, and Orthodox Christianity, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding.
Reforms: Pope Francis has initiated reforms within the Vatican and the wider Catholic Church, focusing on transparency, simplicity, and tackling issues like financial corruption.
Communication: Known for his straightforward and compassionate communication style, Pope Francis has utilized various platforms, from traditional addresses to social media, to reach out to both Catholics and the wider world.
Pope Francis was 76 years old when he became Pope. He is now 87 years old.