Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. His time as the head of the Roman Catholic Church was marked by humility, reform, and a strong emphasis on mercy, social justice, and environmental responsibility. Do you know how long was Pope Francis Pope? No worries, we have explained the details below.
When Did Pope Francis Become Pope?
Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He officially began his papacy with the Mass of Inauguration on March 19, 2013.
His papacy lasted until his death on April 21, 2025, totaling just over 12 years. This duration places him among the longer-serving popes in modern history, with the ninth longest papacy of the past 200 years.
When Was Pope Francis Born and When Did He Die?
Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents. He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The Vatican confirmed that he died from a cerebral stroke leading to irreversible heart failure. Vatican News+1People.com+1
Early Life and Rise in the Church
- 1936: Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents.
- 1958: Entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
- 1969: Ordained as a priest.
- 1992: Appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires.
- 1998: Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
- 2001: Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
Papacy Highlights (2013–2025)
- 2013: Elected pope, choosing the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his commitment to humility and the poor.
- 2015: Released the encyclical Laudato Si’, addressing environmental issues and the moral imperative to combat climate change.
- 2016: Published Amoris Laetitia, emphasizing compassion in family life and opening discussions on communion for divorced and remarried Catholics.
- 2019: Signed the “Document on Human Fraternity” with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, promoting interfaith dialogue.
- 2020: Issued Fratelli Tutti, calling for global solidarity and fraternity.
Health Challenges and Final Years
In his later years, Pope Francis faced several health issues, including a colon surgery in 2021 and hospitalizations in 2023 and early 2025 for respiratory infections. Despite these challenges, he remained active in his duties, delivering his final public blessing on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Death and Funeral
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. The Vatican confirmed that he died from a cerebral stroke leading to irreversible heart failure.
Honoring his wishes for simplicity, his funeral was held at St. Peter’s Square, and he was interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, deviating from the traditional burial site beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
Legacy
Pope Francis’s papacy is remembered for its emphasis on mercy, inclusivity, and social justice. He addressed contemporary issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the plight of refugees, often challenging traditional norms within the Church. His efforts to modernize the Church and focus on marginalized communities have left a lasting impact on Catholicism and interfaith relations worldwide.
Key Highlights of Pope Francis’s Papacy
1. Emphasis on Mercy and Inclusion
- Known for his compassionate tone toward marginalized communities.
- Encouraged dialogue with other faiths and nonbelievers.
- Advocated for divorced Catholics, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and criminal justice reform.
2. Environmental Advocacy
- Published Laudato Si’, a groundbreaking encyclical on climate change and care for our planet.
- Became a global voice in support of sustainable living.
3. Institutional Reform
- Restructured the Vatican’s finances for greater transparency.
- Tackled internal corruption and abuse scandals more openly than previous popes.
4. A Pope of the People
- Known for choosing simpler housing and rejecting traditional papal luxury.
- Frequently met with the poor, prisoners, and migrants.
- Stayed active on social media and used modern communication channels.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Pope Francis is widely regarded as a transformative and progressive figure in the history of the Catholic Church. While his papacy was not without controversy—particularly from more conservative factions—his leadership undeniably shifted global conversations around faith, justice, and compassion.
His emphasis on a more inclusive, compassionate, and socially conscious Catholic Church has left a lasting mark on both the Church and the world.
FAQs
Q: When was Pope Francis born?
A: December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Q: When did Pope Francis die?
A: April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
Q: What were some key reforms during his papacy?
A: He emphasized environmental stewardship, addressed clergy sexual abuse, promoted interfaith dialogue, and advocated for marginalized groups.
Q: Where was Pope Francis buried?
A: At the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
Q: What is Pope Francis’s lasting legacy?
A: A commitment to a more inclusive, compassionate, and socially conscious Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’s transformative leadership and dedication to addressing modern challenges have indelibly shaped the Catholic Church’s direction in the 21st century.
