Pope Francis: When Did He Become Pope & Key Facts | 2024+
What makes a life, particularly one dedicated to faith and service, truly remarkable? Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, left an indelible mark on the world, not only through his spiritual leadership but also through his profound humanity and unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis's journey to the papacy was as unique as the man himself. His life, marked by humility and a deep connection with the common person, offered a fresh perspective on the role of the papacy. He was elected on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy, spanning over a decade, was characterized by a radical shift in tone and focus, emphasizing mercy, dialogue, and social justice. His influence extended far beyond the walls of the Vatican, making him a global figure of inspiration and debate. He passed away at the age of 88, in April 2025. But he was well known for the legacy he left.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 2025 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Nationality | Argentine and Vatican City |
| Parents | Mario Jos Bergoglio and Regina Mara Svori (Italian immigrants) |
| Education | Master's degree in chemistry |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination | Priest: December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 - 2013 |
| Cardinal | Created by Pope John Paul II in 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papacy Tenure | March 13, 2013 April 2025 |
| Successor | N/A |
| Known for | Humility, focus on social justice, environmental advocacy, reforms within the Church. |
| Interesting fact | Before becoming a Jesuit, he worked as a bouncer in a Buenos Aires bar. |
| Reference | Vatican Official Website |
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis's roots were firmly planted in the working class. His parents were Italian immigrants, a fact that would influence his worldview. Before entering the priesthood, he worked as a bouncer in a bar and, during the 1960s, taught literature, philosophy, psychology, and theology at several high schools in Argentina. His early life experiences shaped his empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary people. He has never forgotten what it is like to be one of the "poor," and that is exactly what he has always said about his background.
His journey within the Catholic Church began with his seminary training, which ultimately led him to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He was ordained a priest in 1969, and his career progressed steadily. In 1998, he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, a position of significant influence within the Argentinian church. His elevation to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II further solidified his position within the hierarchy. Bergoglio had a younger life. At only 58 years of age, he was the youngest pope since pope pius ix in 1846, who was 54.
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, set the stage for a new era. The subsequent papal conclave, a gathering of cardinals to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church, resulted in a historic choice. On March 13, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope, choosing the name Francis. He became the first pope from the Americas, and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He was also the first non-European pope in over a millennium. His election surprised analysts who may have been expecting someone else.
The choice of the name "Francis" was significant. It was a clear indication of his priorities and the values he would champion during his papacy. He chose the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a figure known for his humility, simplicity, and dedication to the poor. Francis wanted a church which is "bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security."
Pope Francis's papacy was marked by several key themes. He emphasized mercy, reaching out to those on the margins of society, and promoting dialogue and understanding across cultures and religions. His focus on social justice was evident in his advocacy for the poor, his criticism of economic inequality, and his calls for environmental stewardship. The pope has been known the world over for his great humility and approachability. "My people are poor and I am one of them," he said.
His actions often reflected his words. He frequently visited prisons, homeless shelters, and refugee camps. He washed the feet of inmates on Holy Thursday, breaking from tradition to include women and Muslims in the ceremony. He challenged the church to be more inclusive and welcoming, addressing issues of sexuality and gender with a more compassionate tone than his predecessors. Pope Francis took on the role on February, 28, 2013, following the resignation of pope benedict xvi.
Pope Francis has also been a strong advocate for the environment, issuing the encyclical Laudato Si', which calls for urgent action to address climate change and protect the planet. He framed environmental concerns not just as a scientific issue but as a moral imperative, urging individuals and nations to act responsibly towards future generations. Breaking convention yet again, francis become the first sitting pope to write an autobiography. The autobiography was published in January 2025 in more than 80 countries.
In his approach to governance, Pope Francis has implemented reforms within the Roman Curia, the administrative body of the Catholic Church, aiming to make it more efficient, transparent, and focused on service. He has also addressed issues of clerical sexual abuse, acknowledging the harm caused and working to implement policies to prevent future abuses. He has served as pope since march 13, 2013. As of 2025, this marks his 12th year in the position.
Pope Francis's papacy has not been without its challenges. He has faced criticism from conservative elements within the Church who disagree with his more progressive stances. He was forced to cancel some events due to ill health in recent years. But he has remained steadfast in his vision of a Church that is a "field hospital," tending to the wounds of humanity. Pope francis almost became pope in 2005.
The impact of Pope Francis extends beyond the Catholic Church. He has become a respected voice on the global stage, addressing world leaders on issues of peace, justice, and human dignity. He has met with political figures, religious leaders, and representatives of various organizations, promoting dialogue and understanding in a world often marked by division. He was the first jesuit and the first latin american to become pope.
Pope Francis's legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered for his humility, his dedication to the poor, and his commitment to social justice. He has encouraged a spirit of openness and dialogue within the Church and in the wider world. He was born in buenos aires, argentina on the 17th of december, 1936. He was the first to take the name of francis, a name chosen in honor of saint francis of assisi because he wanted "a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security."
The story of Pope Francis is a testament to the transformative power of faith, compassion, and a deep connection to the human experience. It is a story of a man who, from the streets of Buenos Aires to the highest office in the Catholic Church, has sought to live out the Gospel message by serving others and building bridges of understanding and reconciliation. Pope francis was born on december 17, 1936, making him 88 years old in 2025. He became pope at the age of 75 years and 91 days.
The impact of his leadership, the changes he initiated, and the values he exemplified will undoubtedly continue to shape the Church and the world for generations to come. For the seven and a half decades before he was known as pope francis, he was known as jorge mario bergoglio.
