Pope Francis transitioned from a humble life in Buenos Aires to become the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, marking his place in history as the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, he tirelessly championed the rights of migrants and marginalized communities, urging the church to confront its past scandals more decisively. While many supporters among Catholics applauded his inclusive approach, some conservative factions resisted as he strayed from conventional doctrines.
1936
A Faithful Young Boy
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known as Pope Francis, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires. His parents were Italian immigrants, and he was the oldest of five children. He was a bright, devout boy who had a passion for tango dancing.
1952
A Calling to Serve
At 16, Jorge paused while rushing to meet friends outside the Basilica of St. Joseph, feeling compelled to enter. Inside, he experienced a strong sensation that convinced him he was destined to become a priest, leading him to enroll in a seminary.
1969
Becoming a Priest
After completing 13 years of studies, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained as a priest.
1973
Leading the Jesuits
Father Bergoglio became the leader of the Jesuit order in Argentina amidst a turbulent period known as the “dirty war,” during which the military junta was responsible for numerous human rights violations, including the disappearance of around 30,000 people. Father Bergoglio faced criticism for his alleged lack of action to protect two priests who held antigovernment views and fell victim to the regime, but he insists he worked behind the scenes to keep clergy safe.
1979
Controversial Exile
Father Bergoglio’s leadership role ended amidst controversy, with accusations of authoritarianism leading to his forced relocation to Frankfurt, Germany, followed by a return to Córdoba, Argentina.
1992
Unexpected Rise to Bishopric
Bergoglio’s time in exile was unexpectedly cut short when he was named auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. He later became archbishop, focusing on aiding the poor, and was appointed a cardinal in 2001.
2013
Making History as Pope
Francis was elected pope following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down due to health issues. He aimed to redirect the church’s focus from contentious topics like abortion and homosexuality to pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and migration. His inaugural trip as pope was to Lampedusa, an Italian island symbolizing hope for migrants and asylum seekers.
2014
Confronting Abuse in the Church
Francis initiated a commission to tackle the clergy’s sexual abuse scandals, which included voices of abuse survivors and aimed to hold bishops accountable, although the initiative ultimately failed.
2014
Diplomatic Breakthrough between the U.S. and Cuba
In a significant diplomatic shift, the U.S. and Cuba reestablished relations after decades. Francis played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between President Barack Obama and President Raúl Castro, contributing to this landmark resolution.
2015
Environmental Advocacy
Pope Francis presented “Laudato Si,” marking the first papal encyclical dedicated exclusively to environmental issues. He emphasized the need to care for the planet and criticized the exploitation of the impoverished by rampant global capitalism.
2015
Pastoral Visit to the U.S.
On a six-day trip to the United States, Francis made history as the first pope to speak before Congress.
2016
Conflict with Trump
Pope Francis consistently challenged nationalist sentiments. During the U.S. election, he hinted that Donald J. Trump, the Republican nominee, might not be “Christian” due to his focus on building walls instead of bridges. Trump retorted, asserting it was shameful for a religious leader to question anyone’s faith and expressed pride in his Christianity.
2017
Visit to Egypt
Pope Francis aimed to foster better relations with other faiths, particularly in regions where Catholics faced persecution. While in Cairo, he criticized “demagogic forms of populism” and acknowledged violence disguised as piety.
2018
Agreement with China
Pope Francis reached a tentative agreement with the Chinese government to resolve a prolonged dispute over the authority to appoint bishops. This accord provided the Church with improved access to China but also acknowledged seven bishops chosen by Beijing, a move critics argued set a perilous precedent.
2019
Commitment to Safeguarding Minors
Pope Francis released the most thorough response in decades to the sexual abuse scandal within the Church. This mandate required church officials globally to report instances of abuse and cover-ups to their superiors. However, it did not stipulate the reporting of these cases to law enforcement, a gap that sparked outrage among survivors.
2019
The Amazon Synod
Bishops from the Amazon region proposed that Pope Francis permit the ordination of married men as priests in underserved areas of South America. He expressed a willingness to consider the suggestion, yet ultimately decided against it.
2020
Blessing During a Pandemic
On Good Friday, Francis offered a blessing from the somber, empty St. Peter’s Square, urging the global community to unite in response to the coronavirus crisis. At that time, Italy was under strict lockdown due to a severe outbreak.
2022
Apology to Indigenous Peoples
In a visit to Canada, Pope Francis asked for forgiveness from Indigenous populations for the “evil” done by Christians. He also expressed regret over the Church’s involvement in residential schools where Indigenous children experienced abuse and many lost their lives.
2023
Inclusivity for Women
For the first time, Pope Francis convened a synod of bishops that included women and laypeople with voting rights. The gathering addressed sensitive topics such as the role of women in the Church, celibacy, and priests’ marital status; however, it did not alter existing policies. Following the discussions, Francis permitted priests to bless same-sex couples.
2025
Passing and Legacy
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at 7:35 a.m., a day after blessing the faithful gathered for Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. On Sunday, he appeared frail on a balcony, blessing the crowd and subsequently allowing a Vatican aide to speak on his behalf.
He had struggled with serious health issues in the months leading up to his death, including a severe respiratory infection that had required a lengthy hospital stay.
Pope Francis is remembered for his commitment to inclusion and social justice, frequently advocating for migrants, the marginalized, and environmental stewardship.
Ali Watkins contributed reporting.
