On April 21, 2025, the world bid farewell to Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church and a transformative figure whose papacy reshaped the modern face of Catholicism. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he made history as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name “Francis”—a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility and care for the poor.
Over a papacy spanning more than 12 years, Pope Francis championed reform, inclusion, environmental justice, and deep empathy for the marginalized. As his final Easter blessing just a day before his death echoed through the Vatican, his life closed with the same grace it was lived—among the people, for the people.
Let us take a heartfelt journey through his remarkable life and legacy.
Early Life and Calling (1936–1969)
December 17, 1936 – Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the eldest of five children in a devout Catholic family of Italian immigrants. His father, Mario Jose Bergoglio, was an accountant, and his mother, Regina María Sívori, instilled in him the virtues of service and humility.
In his youth, he worked briefly as a chemical technician and even as a nightclub bouncer—experiences that later shaped his grounded worldview. But at age 21, he felt a deep spiritual calling and joined the Jesuit order, known for its focus on education, social justice, and missionary work.
December 13, 1969 – He was ordained as a Jesuit priest and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Argentina’s provincial superior during the country’s violent military dictatorship. Despite challenges and controversies, he was known for quietly helping those persecuted during the regime.
A Rise in the Church (1992–2013)
May 20, 1992 – Bergoglio was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and by 1998, he became the Archbishop, taking on the leadership of the Argentine capital’s Catholic community.
February 21, 2001 – Pope John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals, where he stood out for his humility—refusing to live in the cardinal’s palace and opting instead for a simple apartment and public transport.
His influence within the Latin American Church deepened, particularly during the 2007 Aparecida Conference, where he helped shape a vision for a Church that embraces the poor, Indigenous peoples, and the environment—a foreshadowing of his later papal priorities.
The Historic Election (March 13, 2013)
After Pope Benedict XVI’s unexpected resignation, the conclave of cardinals elected Bergoglio as pope. He took the name Francis, becoming:
- The first Jesuit pope
- The first pope from the Americas
- The first to take the name Francis
The world was immediately drawn to his warmth, his choice to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, and his decision to pay his own hotel bill the day after his election. The tone was set for a new era.
A Pope for the Marginalized (2013–2025)
Early Acts of Reform and Mercy
- July 8, 2013: Pope Francis made his first trip outside Rome to Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants. He denounced the “globalization of indifference,” a theme that would become central in his papacy.
- Nov 26, 2013: In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”), he emphasized a Church that is poor and for the poor.
- June 18, 2015: With Laudato Si, he issued a passionate plea to save the planet, framing environmental degradation as a moral issue.
Controversies and Courageous Stances
- His “Who am I to judge?” comment on LGBTQ+ clergy in 2013 marked a seismic shift in tone.
- He reformed the annulment process, opened Communion discussions for divorced and remarried Catholics, and controversially approved blessings for same-sex couples (2023).
- He tackled financial corruption head-on and pushed for transparency in the Vatican’s legal system, leading to the conviction of Cardinal Angelo Becciu in 2023.
Sexual Abuse Scandals
Francis faced intense criticism during the global clergy sexual abuse crisis. Initially defensive—particularly during his 2018 visit to Chile—he later admitted “grave errors” and took historic actions:
- Inviting abuse survivors to the Vatican
- Accepting resignations of multiple bishops
- Defrocking Cardinal Theodore McCarrick
His 2019 law Vos Estis Lux Mundi created a mandatory in-house reporting system and expanded protection measures.
Papal Travels and Dialogue Across Faiths
Francis believed that real change came from building bridges, not walls:
- Feb 4, 2019: Signed the Document on Human Fraternity with Egypt’s Grand Imam, calling for peace between religions.
- March 2021: Became the first pope to visit Iraq, fostering interfaith dialogue in a region torn by war.
- April 16, 2016: Personally brought Syrian refugees back to Rome from Lesbos, highlighting his compassion for migrants.
His papacy brought him to nearly every corner of the world, from slums in Brazil to prisons in Rome to Masses in East Timor with over 600,000 people in attendance.
Moments of Reflection and Resistance
Not all supported his progressive stances. Conservative bishops challenged him over marriage annulments, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and environmental advocacy. The 2018 Vigano letter, which accused him of covering up abuse, called for his resignation, but investigations cleared him of wrongdoing.
Even in sickness, Pope Francis showed resilience:
- March 2020: Prayed alone in St. Peter’s Square during COVID-19, providing spiritual comfort to billions.
- 2023–2025: Despite recurring hospitalizations, he led synods promoting gender inclusion and continued to write on topics like nuclear disarmament and capital punishment.
Final Days and Farewell (2025)
In early 2025, his health declined rapidly. After a lung infection and double pneumonia, doctors debated ending treatment but he persevered.
- March 13, 2025: He marked 12 years as pope while still hospitalized.
- April 17, 2025: He visited Rome’s Regina Caeli prison for Holy Thursday, despite weakness.
- April 20, 2025: He delivered what would be his final Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing, followed by a popemobile ride through the cheering crowd—a gesture of farewell.
- April 21, 2025: Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM, surrounded by his close circle at Domus Santa Marta.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis will be remembered not just as a religious figurehead, but as a global moral voice:
Key Legacies
- Social Justice Champion: Advocated tirelessly for the poor, Indigenous peoples, and migrants.
- Reformist Pope: Modernized Church structures, streamlined bureaucracy, and opened debates on priesthood and marriage.
- Green Pope: Elevated environmental issues to a spiritual and moral imperative.
- Bridge Builder: Fostered peace across religious and political divides.
- Voice for the Voiceless: His consistent emphasis on mercy, love, and inclusion reshaped the public perception of the Catholic Church.
A Pope Who Walked With Us
Pope Francis wasn’t a man of marble monuments or towering cathedrals—he was a shepherd who walked with his flock. His voice echoed in refugee camps, hospital rooms, prisons, and crisis zones. His legacy is not only etched in papal documents or saint-making ceremonies but in every heart he touched.
As Cardinal Kevin Farrell said upon his passing:
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
Pope Francis may have left this world, but his message—of compassion, humility, and justice—will resonate for generations to come.
