Remembering Pope Francis: Photos Through The Years & Life's Journey
Could the unassuming child you pass on the street today one day ascend to the highest echelons of the Catholic Church? The life of Pope Francis, a man who once was just Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a boy from Argentina, is a testament to the extraordinary potential that lies within each individual.
In the solemn heart of St. Peter's Basilica, the world pauses. Tens of thousands of mourners are silently filing past the open casket, their faces etched with reverence and grief. They have come to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, the 266th successor of St. Peter, a man whose papacy, from 2013 to 2025, left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world. The Vatican, on a somber Tuesday, April 22, 2025, released the first images of the pontiff after his death. These images show him laid to rest, dressed in simple red vestments, within a humble wooden coffin. This poignant scene underscores the humility that characterized his life and ministry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025, in Vatican City (Age 88) |
| Papacy | March 13, 2013 April 21, 2025 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Successor | (Pending) |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry, Philosophy |
| Ordination | Ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | Ordained as a bishop on June 27, 1992 |
| Cardinal | Created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II on February 21, 2001 |
| Notable Achievements | First Jesuit Pope, First Pope from the Americas, Advocate for the poor and marginalized, Focused on climate change and environmental protection, Oversaw significant reforms within the Catholic Church. |
| Motto | Miserando atque eligendo (Having mercy and choosing him) |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
Before he became Pope Francis, before the world knew him as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics, he was simply Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was a child, growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, just like any other boy. His life, captured in countless photographs, provides a window into his journey. From the rare, intimate images of him as a child, sometimes seen with his brother Oscar, to the defining images of his papacy, his life is a visual narrative of faith, service, and profound connection with humanity. The website franciscusi.wordpress.com provides some of the most precious early pictures of Pope Francis.
The images document the meetings, travels, and ceremonies of the popes, the art, the sacredness, and the beauty of the Vatican. The official account, under the copyright of Vatican Media, features the words, "I want to walk with you along the way of God's mercy and tenderness". This motto underscores the core of his pontificate.
The momentous occasion of his papacy began on March 13, 2013. He emerged on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, a moment of profound significance for the Americas and the world. In the wake of Pope Benedict XVI stepping down from the papacy, the election of Pope Francis offered a fresh perspective, ushering in an era defined by his compassion and outreach.
The news of his passing, on Monday, April 21, 2025, a day after Easter, rippled across the globe. The announcement, released by CNA staff on February 23, 2025, at 2:40 pm, marked the end of an era. He died at the age of 88. The Vatican City, on April 22, 2025, released the first photos of Pope Francis after his death. These images, showing him in red vestments, lying in a simple wooden coffin, capture the finality of his physical presence while emphasizing the spiritual legacy he leaves behind.
His papacy, spanning from 2013 to 2025, witnessed a period of significant change and reform within the Catholic Church. He was known for his outspoken advocacy for the marginalized, migrants, and the environment. As he said upon his selection, he came from "almost the ends of the earth."
One photograph from the launch of the 'Scholas Occurrentes' (Latin for Schools of Meeting) international educational movement at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome on May 19, 2022, shows Pope Francis alongside Scholas Occurrentes president Jose Maria del Corral and Newells Old Boys captain, Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez. The image symbolizes his dedication to education and youth. Pope Francis' procession photos captured by AP photographer remain iconic representations of his journey. Another iconic image shows him speaking to migrants during his visit to the island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, on July 8, 2013, wearing a white cap. His life, as captured in pictures throughout the years, tells a story of a man dedicated to serving others.
The Popes body was laid in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican on Monday, April 21, 2025. Present at the scene were key figures, including Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, who were there to honor him and oversee the preparations for his final journey.
A timeline of key events during his papacy would begin with March 13, 2013, about two weeks after Pope Benedict XVI stepped down from the papacy. Each event, each image, tells a part of the story, a story of a man who became a spiritual leader on a global scale. His journey from the priesthood in Argentina to the papacy in Vatican City, is a testament to his faith and dedication. Photos of Pope Francis throughout the years serve as a collection of memories, reminding us of his life, his ministry, and his enduring legacy.
His pontificate will be remembered for his work in addressing social issues, his commitment to interreligious dialogue, and his efforts to reform the Churchs structures. He sought to bring the Church closer to the people, emphasizing mercy, compassion, and the importance of caring for the vulnerable. His legacy extends beyond the Church, inspiring people of all faiths and backgrounds to work towards a more just and sustainable world. A collection of the top 50 Pope Francis wallpapers and backgrounds are available for download for free, and these images are meant to be enjoyed as a background or home screen for your smartphone or computer.
The images from his childhood, his priesthood, and his papacy all blend into the story of a life dedicated to service, a life that began in Argentina and touched the lives of millions. The visual record of his life allows the world to reflect on the impact of a man who became a symbol of hope, compassion, and a unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. "See young photos of Pope Francis and follow his journey from priesthood in argentina all the way to papacy in vatican city, in the wake of his death on april 21, 2025."
