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Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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He served as the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and was also the sovereign of Vatican City. His papacy began on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European to be elected since Pope Gregory III of Syria in the 8th century.
Before becoming pope, he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and held the title of cardinal. Known for his humility and simple lifestyle, Pope Francis chose to live in a guesthouse instead of the traditional papal residence. He often emphasized compassion, social justice, and concern for the environment. His messages frequently focused on mercy, inclusion, and dialogue across religious and social divides.
During his tenure, he advocated for a more welcoming Church and worked toward peace and reconciliation. His handling of the Church’s sexual abuse crisis was a significant part of his papacy, drawing both acclaim and criticism.
Why was he called Pope Francis?
Upon his election, he selected the name Francis in tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, who is revered for his humility, love for the poor, and devotion to living simply. By choosing this name, Pope Francis signaled a desire to lead with modesty and to focus on serving the disadvantaged and protecting the environment, much like St. Francis had done.
Election as Pope
Bergoglio was elected pope on the second day of the 2013 conclave, on the fifth ballot. The official announcement—Habemus papam—was made by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. According to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, two spiritual signs led to Bergoglio’s election: one during the conclave and another from a Latin American couple who quietly recommended his name.
From the outset, Pope Francis displayed a different tone—he greeted the cardinals while standing rather than seated on the papal throne and chose a plain white cassock and a simple iron cross over the traditional, ornate attire. His first act as pope was to give the Urbi et Orbi blessing, after first asking for prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and for himself.
His official inauguration took place on March 19, 2013, during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by global political and religious leaders. His homily centered on the role of Saint Joseph, whose feast day coincided with the event.
