Pope Francis: The First Jesuit Pope & His Legacy
Could the world ever truly be ready for a pope like Pope Francis? His papacy, a beacon of humility and reform, not only reshaped the Catholic Church but also left an indelible mark on the global stage.
The passing of Pope Francis on a Monday, at the age of 88, marks the end of an era. He was more than just a religious leader; he was a global figure who consistently advocated for the marginalized and challenged the status quo. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013, becoming the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | Monday, (Date of Death), at the age of 88 |
| Nationality | Argentinian, Vatican City State |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained | December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | June 28, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 2013 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Key Initiatives | Laudato Si' (Environmental Encyclical), Emphasis on Poverty, Focus on Migrants and Refugees |
| Legacy | Champion of the poor and marginalized, Advocate for environmental protection, Reformed the Vatican, Bridge-builder |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
His election was a surprise to many, including the Jesuits themselves. Father James Martin, a fellow Jesuit, recalled the stunned reaction of the order when one of their own was chosen. The Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, is one of the most prominent religious orders within the Catholic Church, with approximately 15,000 priests, brothers, and novices across more than 110 countries.
Pope Franciss Jesuit formation profoundly influenced his papacy. The Jesuits, with their emphasis on education, social justice, and engagement with the world, instilled in him a deep commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. This commitment was evident throughout his pontificate, as he consistently challenged the Church and the world to confront issues of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
One of his first acts as pope was to visit Lampedusa, a Mediterranean island that serves as a common entry point for migrants seeking refuge in Europe. He prayed and advocated for those who had risked their lives in search of a better life, signaling his deep concern for migrants and refugees, a theme that would become a cornerstone of his papacy.
The pontiffs willingness to engage with the "peripheries," as he often called them, was a defining characteristic. He frequently visited soup kitchens and met with refugees, demonstrating a practical and personal approach to addressing the challenges faced by the most vulnerable. His actions, rooted in Ignatian spirituality, reflected a core Jesuit principle: finding God in all things and serving others.
His papacy was also marked by efforts to promote unity within the Church. He sought to build bridges between Catholics and those of other faiths. He introduced reforms within the Vatican, including the financial systems, which aimed to make the Church more transparent and accountable.
The encyclical Laudato Si' (2015), a groundbreaking document addressing the climate crisis, is perhaps one of his most significant legacies. In this document, he addressed the interconnectedness of environmental destruction and social injustice, urging the world to take urgent action to protect the planet and care for the most vulnerable. His words resonated globally, fostering a critical dialogue and influencing policy.
Pope Francis was the first pontiff elected from the Society of Jesus. Before his election, he served as the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires. His path to the papacy was marked by a deep connection to the people and a commitment to the poor.
The Society of Jesus, founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, emphasizes discernment, finding God in all things, and a commitment to social justice. Jesuits are encouraged to be active in the world, engaging with contemporary issues and seeking to serve others. This approach is reflected in the diverse ministries of the Jesuits, which include education, healthcare, and advocacy.
His choice of name, Francis, was a clear indication of his priorities, referencing Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his love of the poor, his care for creation, and his commitment to peace. This choice set the tone for his pontificate, which was characterized by a focus on humility, simplicity, and service.
Pope Francis's papacy was not without its controversies. His efforts to reform the Vatican and address difficult issues within the Church faced resistance. However, his unwavering commitment to his vision of a more inclusive and compassionate Church never wavered.
The news of his death on a Monday, April 21st, 2025, brought mourning to billions, and as people reflect on his life's work, his funeral has been set for April 26th. The world now reflects on his legacy of a man who championed the marginalized, advocated for a more just world, and whose message of hope and compassion will continue to resonate for generations to come.
His death also brought to the forefront the unique history of the Jesuits. Jesuit priests are traditionally discouraged from becoming bishops, much less pope, an outsiders sensibility which may have helped to explain his almost breezy willingness to challenge existing traditions, dispelling centuries of inertia.
Creativity was therefore, important for a Jesuit. Pope Francis, during a visit with the Jesuit priests and other staff members of La Civilt Cattolica, had articulated a triad of important characteristics relevant to the cultural initiatives of the Jesuits.
The impact of Pope Francis goes beyond the Catholic Church. He inspired and challenged people of all faiths and backgrounds to consider their roles in building a more just and sustainable world. His words and actions will continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for years to come.
The pontiff's journey began long before his election. After his 1969 ordination, Pope Francis continued his training between 1970 and 1971 at the University of Alcal de Henares, Spain. Returning to Argentina, he served in various roles within the Society of Jesus, including novice master at Villa Barilari, San Miguel; professor at the faculty of theology of San Miguel; consultor to the province of the Society of Jesus; and rector of the Colegio Mximo of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology. These experiences shaped his approach to ministry.
His life was marked by simplicity. His choice of a modest lifestyle personifies the message of the Catholic Church. He chose a religious order that encouraged its members to dialogue with the world, not a silent monastic life. The Popes efforts to promote unity between catholics, non-catholics, and people from all backgrounds served as a powerful call for peace.
When Pope Francis entered the Jesuit order, he chose a lifestyle, an intellectual history, a spirituality that formed his worldview. His efforts to promote unity between Catholics, non-Catholics, and people from all backgrounds served as a powerful call for peace.
