Pope Francis (originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born December 17, 1936 – died April 21, 2025) led the Roman Catholic Church and held the position of sovereign over Vatican City from 2013 until his passing in 2025. He broke multiple historical precedents by becoming the first pope from the Jesuit order, the first from Latin America, and the first pontiff born outside of Europe since the 8th-century reign of Pope Gregory III, who hailed from Syria.
Title: Pope Francis
Position: Bishop of Rome
Affiliation: Roman Catholic Church
Pontificate: March 13, 2013 – April 21, 2025
Preceded by: Benedict XVI
Succeeded by: Leo XIV
Past Roles:
Jesuit Provincial Superior in Argentina (1973–1979)
Auxiliary Bishop and Titular Bishop of Auca (1992–1997)
Coadjutor Bishop of Buenos Aires (1997–1998)
Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998–2013)
Ordinary for Eastern Rite Catholics in Argentina (1998–2013)
Cardinal-Priest of San Roberto Bellarmino (2001–2013)
President, Argentine Episcopal Conference (2005–2011)
Clerical Milestones:
Ordained a priest on December 13, 1969, by Ramón José Castellano
Consecrated a bishop on June 27, 1992, by Antonio Quarracino
Elevated to the College of Cardinals on February 21, 2001, by Pope John Paul II
Held the rank of Cardinal Priest
##Personal Background
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio came from a family with Italian roots. After recovering from a life-threatening illness in his youth, he felt called to join the Society of Jesus in 1958. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1969 and went on to lead the Jesuits in Argentina during the 1970s. Elevated to Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II three years later.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in early 2013, Bergoglio was chosen as his successor on March 13 of that year. He adopted the name Francis in tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi.
##Key Themes of His Leadership
Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis became known for his focus on humility, compassion, and outreach. He advocated for mercy over judgment, pushed for stronger interfaith relations, and emphasized helping the poor, displaced people, and refugees.
He urged the Church to become more welcoming to the LGBTQ community. While he maintained that same-sex unions could not receive liturgical blessings, he permitted pastoral blessings for individuals in such relationships under certain circumstances. He also appointed women as full voting members of Roman Curia dicasteries—a first in Church history.
Francis led the Synod on Synodality, considered a pivotal moment in modern Catholicism and described as the most significant ecclesiastical event since Vatican II. He chose to live modestly in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than occupy the traditional papal apartments. He declined elaborate vestments, opting instead for simpler clothing, a silver ring rather than gold, and retained his cardinal’s pectoral cross.
Views and Actions on Global Issues:
Pope Francis was a vocal opponent of unregulated capitalism, materialism, and unchecked economic growth. He championed environmental stewardship and prioritized climate change as a moral and spiritual concern. He firmly opposed the death penalty, advocating for its complete abolition.
He challenged anti-immigration rhetoric and the rise of nationalist politics, asserting that protecting migrants is a moral obligation. He endorsed the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide.
Diplomatically, Francis played a crucial role in re-establishing ties between the U.S. and Cuba, brokered a Vatican-China agreement on bishop appointments, and worked toward peace between Israel and Palestine, signing the Vatican’s first accord with the State of Palestine. In 2022, he publicly apologized for the Catholic Church’s involvement in the cultural eradication of Indigenous communities in Canada’s residential schools. During the 2023 Gaza conflict, he condemned Israeli military actions and urged international war crimes investigations.
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday and passed away the next day, Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. He was interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. His successor, Pope Leo XIV, was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the second pope from the American continents.
##Early Life
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, was born on December 17, 1936, in the Flores district of Buenos Aires. He was the firstborn of five siblings in the household of Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori. His father, Mario, worked as an accountant and had emigrated from the Piedmont region of Italy. His mother, Regina, was a homemaker born in Buenos Aires, though her ancestry traced back to northern Italy. The Bergoglio family relocated from Italy in 1929 to escape Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime—not for financial reasons, as noted by María Elena Bergoglio, Pope Francis’s only surviving sibling. His other brothers and sisters included Oscar Adrián, Marta Regina, and Alberto Horacio. Among his extended family, Cristina Bergoglio—his niece—is an artist residing in Madrid, Spain.
Bergoglio’s early education took place at Wilfrid Barón de los Santos Ángeles, a Catholic school in Ramos Mejía run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. He later pursued technical studies at Escuela Técnica Industrial Nº 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen, where he earned a diploma qualifying him as a chemical technician. Following his graduation, he worked in the food division of the Hickethier-Bachmann Laboratory, under the supervision of Esther Ballestrino. Prior to this, he briefly held jobs as a nightclub bouncer and janitor.
At the age of 21, he suffered a severe illness that led to pneumonia and the development of three cysts. As a result, doctors removed part of one of his lungs.
##Dream for Priesthood
On his way to join Spring Day festivities, Bergoglio stopped by a church for confession, where an encounter with a priest deeply moved him and sparked his vocational calling. This moment of inspiration led him to enroll at the Inmaculada Concepción Seminary, the archdiocesan seminary located in Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires. After three years of formation, he joined the Society of Jesus as a novice on March 11, 1958. Reflecting on his early days in the seminary, Bergoglio once admitted to having a brief romantic interest in a young woman, which momentarily caused him to question his path to priesthood.
During his Jesuit novitiate, he studied humanities in Santiago, Chile. On March 12, 1960, he formally entered the Jesuit order by professing his initial, lifelong vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. That same year, he earned a licentiate degree in philosophy from Colegio Máximo de San José.
From 1964 to 1965, Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción, a secondary school in Santa Fe. He continued teaching those subjects in 1966 at Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires.
In 1967, he began theological studies at the Facultades de Filosofía y Teología de San Miguel. On December 13, 1969, he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. He subsequently took on the roles of novice master and theology professor within the Jesuit province.
Bergoglio completed his final phase of Jesuit spiritual formation—known as tertianship—in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. On April 22, 1973, he professed his final vows, including the Jesuit order's distinctive fourth vow, pledging obedience to the pope regarding mission assignments.
##Bergoglio’s Leadership as Archbishop of Buenos Aires
Following the death of Cardinal Antonio Quarracino on February 28, 1998, Jorge Mario Bergoglio ascended to the role of metropolitan archbishop of Buenos Aires. In this capacity, he implemented numerous reforms: he established new parishes, reorganized the archdiocesan structure, launched pro-life initiatives, and created a commission to address issues related to divorce.
A hallmark of his tenure was his outreach to the impoverished neighborhoods known as villas miserias—the shantytowns of Buenos Aires. Determined to strengthen the Church’s presence in these marginalized communities, Bergoglio doubled the number of priests working there and personally visited them, earning him the nickname el obispo villero, or "slum bishop."
Early in his archbishopric, Bergoglio sold the archdiocese’s shares in its own bank and transferred its financial dealings to standard international banks. This move ended unsustainable spending practices that had nearly bankrupted the institution, and it instilled a greater sense of financial responsibility. On November 6, 1998, while still serving as archbishop, he was also appointed as the Ordinary for Eastern-rite Catholics in Argentina, a group that had previously lacked direct ecclesiastical oversight. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk later praised Bergoglio’s deep understanding and care for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Argentina.
In 2000, Bergoglio became the only senior Catholic figure to reconcile publicly with Jerónimo Podestá, a former bishop who had been suspended for resisting the Argentine dictatorship in the 1970s. He also defended Podestá’s wife against criticisms from within the Vatican. That same year, he declared that the Argentine Catholic Church must perform acts of public penance for its complicity or silence during the Dirty War.
Bergoglio was known for his humble and service-oriented leadership. Each Holy Thursday, he performed the foot-washing ritual in places such as prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, and slums. After becoming a cardinal in 2001, he remained archbishop of Buenos Aires and, in 2007, initiated a weekly celebration of the Roman Rite in its extraordinary pre-Vatican II form, shortly after Pope Benedict XVI permitted its wider use.
On November 8, 2005, Bergoglio was elected president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference and was re-elected on November 11, 2008. In these roles, he remained active in various key committees, including overseeing the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina and working with the liturgy committee. During his leadership, the Argentine bishops collectively apologized for the Church’s failure to shield victims of state violence during the military regime.
When Bergoglio turned 75 in December 2011, he submitted his resignation as required by canon law. However, since no successor had been named, he continued in his role. During this period, his relationship with the Jesuit order became distant. No longer under the authority of the Jesuit provincial, he rarely visited Jesuit residences and remained largely estranged from the order until his election as pope.
##Bergoglio Amid Controversy and Politics: From the Dirty War to the Papacy
Pope Francis, faced significant controversy over his role during Argentina's Dirty War. In 1976, two Jesuit priests—Orlando Yorio and Franz Jalics—were kidnapped by the Argentine Navy. They were held, tortured, and later discovered drugged and half-naked on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Allegations emerged that Bergoglio, their Jesuit superior at the time, failed to protect them, allegedly expelling them from the order shortly before their arrest.
Human rights lawyer Myriam Bregman filed a criminal complaint in 2005, accusing Bergoglio of complicity in the kidnapping. Though the case was ultimately dismissed, questions persisted. Argentine journalists cited conflicting statements and documents that challenged Bergoglio’s account. Yorio accused him of abandonment, suggesting Bergoglio’s silence effectively handed them over to their captors. In contrast, Jalics later clarified that Bergoglio did not orchestrate their detention, attributing their ordeal to betrayal by a former lay colleague turned guerrilla.
In a rare interview with his biographer Sergio Rubin, Bergoglio insisted he worked behind the scenes to secure their release, even approaching dictator Jorge Videla. He also recounted hiding fugitives and helping some escape the country—at times providing his own identification papers to those in danger. Other testimonies from people like judge Alicia Oliveira and priests Gonzalo Mosca and José Caravias supported claims that Bergoglio quietly aided many during the junta's rule.
Despite criticisms, notable figures defended Bergoglio. Nobel laureate Adolfo Pérez Esquivel acknowledged Bergoglio lacked bold resistance but denied he collaborated with the regime. Graciela Fernández Meijide of the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights stated no credible evidence linked him to any wrongdoing. Supreme Court president Ricardo Lorenzetti went further, calling him “completely innocent.” Historian Uki Goñi noted that at the time, public perception of the junta was still largely positive, and the extent of state violence wasn’t yet widely known.
##Political Engagement in Crisis and Reform
As Archbishop of Buenos Aires during Argentina’s economic downturn, Bergoglio played a prominent role. President Fernando de la Rúa invited Church leaders to mediate between economic and political factions. Though De la Rúa claimed to have spoken with Bergoglio, the archbishop said their meeting was canceled. Bishop Jorge Casaretto later questioned whether a formal request was ever made.
Amid the December 2001 riots, Bergoglio intervened by urging police to differentiate between violent actors and peaceful demonstrators. In the 2001 elections, after Ramón Puerta became Senate president, Bergoglio met with him and was reassured of political stability.
##Relations with Néstor and Cristina Kirchner
Tensions with Argentina's political leadership intensified during Néstor Kirchner’s presidency. In a 2004 national day Mass, Bergoglio criticized political arrogance and called for unity. Kirchner skipped the Mass the following year. Later, Bergoglio supported constitutional reform efforts that blocked indefinite re-elections in Misiones Province, a move seen as a direct challenge to Kirchner’s political ambitions.
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's presidency saw further friction. Bergoglio’s call for reconciliation during rural unrest was viewed as siding with anti-government protests. Their relationship deteriorated further during the heated debate over legalizing same-sex marriage.
Upon Bergoglio’s election as pope in 2013, reactions were mixed. While most Argentines celebrated, pro-government media revisited Dirty War allegations. Cristina Kirchner delayed acknowledging the election but soon reversed course, embracing Pope Francis publicly. Their reconciliation was symbolized by a private luncheon before his papal inauguration, making her the first world leader he received. Following this, critical articles were removed from media outlets like Página 12.
##From Hostility to Hospitality: Javier Milei and Pope Francis
Before becoming Argentina’s president in 2023, Javier Milei harshly criticized Pope Francis, calling him “a communist” and “imbecile.” However, after taking office, Milei’s stance softened. He extended a formal invitation to the Pope and visited the Vatican in February 2024 during the canonization of María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, Argentina’s first female saint. The meeting marked a significant shift in Milei’s rhetoric and suggested a move toward reconciliation with the Holy See.
##Papacy
A Humble and Historic Pontiff: Breaking Traditions and Embracing Simplicity
Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope, a notable milestone given the historically complex relationship between the Society of Jesus and the Vatican. He was also the first pontiff from the Americas and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. While many media outlets described him as the first non-European pope, this was not entirely accurate—he was the 11th, with the last being Gregory III from Syria, who died in 741. Though born in Argentina, Francis had European roots, with his father and maternal grandparents originating from northern Italy.
From the outset, Francis adopted a less formal and more accessible style than his predecessors, which the media dubbed a “no-frills” papacy. This simplicity and relatability became hallmarks of his leadership. On the night of his election, instead of taking the traditional papal car, he chose to ride back to his lodging on a bus with the other cardinals. The following day, he visited Cardinal Jorge María Mejía in the hospital and took time to converse with patients and staff.
Linguistically versatile, Francis spoke his native Spanish and was fluent in Italian—the working language of the Vatican—and German. He also had a working knowledge of Latin, French, Portuguese, and English, and understood Piedmontese and some Ligurian dialects.
Breaking another tradition, Francis opted not to reside in the grand papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace. Instead, he chose a modest suite in the Vatican guest house (Domus Sanctae Marthae), where he received guests and held meetings. Nevertheless, he continued the tradition of appearing at the Apostolic Palace window to deliver the weekly Sunday Angelus prayer.
As a Jesuit pope, Francis emphasized that the essence of the Christian journey is not rigid rule-following, but discerning God’s will in one’s life. He initiated a cultural shift within the Church, steering it away from “clericalism”—an overemphasis on priestly authority and hierarchy—and instead promoting humility and pastoral closeness. He often said that priests must carry “the smell of the sheep,” remaining deeply connected to the lives of the people they serve.
##Election as Pope
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on 13 March 2013, during the second day of the papal conclave. He was chosen on the fifth ballot and adopted the name Francis—a nod to St. Francis of Assisi and his dedication to humility and the poor. The Habemus Papam announcement was delivered by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn later revealed that Bergoglio's election followed two spiritual affirmations—one confidential within the conclave and the other from a Latin American couple who, in a chance encounter, spoke Bergoglio’s name to him. Schönborn interpreted this as a sign of divine guidance.
Immediately upon his election, Francis began breaking with tradition. Rather than sitting on the papal throne to receive the cardinals’ congratulations, he greeted them while standing. When he first appeared before the public on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he wore a plain white cassock, omitting the traditional red and ermine-trimmed mozzetta. He also kept the iron pectoral cross he had worn as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, forgoing the more ornate gold one typically worn by popes.
In his first address, he greeted the crowd with a warm and simple “Buonasera” (Good evening). He asked for prayers for his predecessor, “the bishop emeritus of Rome,” Benedict XVI, and for himself, humbly referring to himself as “a pope who comes from the ends of the earth.”
##Inauguration and First Actions
Pope Francis was formally inaugurated on 19 March 2013, with a Mass in St. Peter’s Square attended by religious and political leaders from across the globe. His homily centered on Saint Joseph, whose feast day coincided with the occasion, emphasizing guardianship and humility.
The next day, Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi reported further examples of Francis’s humble approach: he met the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel standing, rather than seated, and returned to the Domus Sanctae Marthae in a shared minivan rather than a private car. Before moving into his new quarters, he even went back to the guesthouse where he had stayed during the conclave to personally retrieve his belongings—and insisted on paying the bill himself. These small but powerful gestures quickly set the tone for a papacy marked by simplicity, service, and a personal connection with the faithful.
##The Name “Francis” and Its Meaning
During his first public audience with journalists on 16 March 2013, just days after his election, Pope Francis explained the inspiration behind his choice of name. He revealed that he had selected “Francis” in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his deep concern for the poor and marginalized. As voting during the conclave leaned toward his election, Brazilian Cardinal Cláudio Hummes embraced him and whispered, “Don’t forget the poor.” That moment, Francis said, immediately brought Saint Francis to mind—a man who, in the pope’s words, “brought to Christianity an idea of poverty against the luxury, pride, and vanity of the civil and ecclesiastical powers of the time. He changed history.”
This marked the first time a pope had chosen the name Francis. The Vatican clarified on the day of his election that his official papal name was simply Francis, not Francis I—a numeral would be added only if a future pope chose the same name. It was also the first instance since Pope Lando (913–914) that a pope selected a completely new name not previously used by any predecessor.
Pope Francis recounted that some cardinals had humorously suggested he choose the name “Adrian,” referencing Adrian VI, a known reformer, or “Clement,” as a nod to Clement XIV who had once suppressed the Jesuit order. Reflecting on his mindset in an earlier conclave, Francis also shared that if he had been elected in 2005, he would have taken the name John XXIV to honor Pope John XXIII, affectionately called “the Good Pope.” He told Cardinal Francesco Marchisano, “John, I would have called myself John, like the Good Pope; I would have been completely inspired by him.”
##Curia and Early Challenges
Upon his election, Pope Francis initiated immediate reforms within the Vatican. He eliminated traditional bonuses awarded to Vatican employees upon the election of a new pope—payments that typically totaled several million euros—and redirected those funds to charitable causes. In a similar vein, he abolished the €25,000 annual stipend granted to cardinals serving on the Vatican Bank’s Board of Supervisors.
To address deeper structural concerns, Francis established the Council of Cardinal Advisers on 13 April 2013. Composed of eight cardinals—most of whom were outspoken critics of Vatican bureaucracy and only one of whom was a Curial official—the council was tasked with helping revise the governance of the Roman Curia.
Early Initiatives and Symbolic Actions:
Francis quickly signaled a new tone for the papacy through powerful symbolic gestures. On Holy Thursday of 2013, he visited Rome’s Casal del Marmo juvenile detention center, where he washed and kissed the feet of twelve young inmates—ten males and two females, including two Muslims. This act marked the first time a pope had included women in the traditional foot-washing ceremony, a practice Francis had previously adopted as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
During his first Urbi et Orbi Easter address on 31 March 2013, Francis made a heartfelt call for global peace, mentioning regions like the Middle East, Africa, and the Korean Peninsula. He condemned the pursuit of "easy gain" in a world consumed by greed and urged greater care for the environment. Though the Vatican had prepared greetings in 65 languages, he chose to deliver his message solely in Italian, a language he felt most comfortable using at that time.
Engagement with the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious:
In 2013, Francis upheld the Vatican’s ongoing review of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), a process initiated under Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican had previously criticized the group for what it perceived as a drift toward feminist ideologies, a disproportionate focus on social justice over core Church teachings like opposition to abortion, and for inviting speakers who questioned Church doctrine. However, by April 2015, the inquiry concluded without punitive action. Observers noted that the LCWR’s social priorities resonated closely with Francis’s pastoral approach, and the timing of the closure aligned with preparations for his visit to the United States later that year.
##A Synodal Church
Pope Francis placed significant emphasis on fostering a more inclusive and consultative Church through a series of synods. He convened synods on the family in 2014, on youth in 2018, and on the Amazon region in 2019. These gatherings reflected his broader vision for a "synodal Church"—one that listens, dialogues, and engages all members of the faith community.
A major step toward this vision came with the 2019 apostolic constitution Episcopalis communio, which granted greater authority to synodal assemblies. It allowed a synod’s final document to become official magisterial teaching with the pope’s approval alone. The constitution also enabled laypeople to contribute their perspectives directly to the synod’s secretariat. Many observers consider this drive toward synodality—shared governance and broader participation—among the most lasting legacies of Francis’s papacy.
On 4 October 2023, Francis initiated the Synod on Synodality, which some commentators described as the pinnacle of his reform efforts and one of the Church’s most transformative events since the Second Vatican Council.
Reforming the Vatican Bank
Early in his papacy, Francis moved to address long-standing issues within the Vatican Bank, formally known as the Institute for the Works of Religion. The institution had been dogged for years by accusations of financial misconduct and money laundering. To promote transparency, Francis established a commission to examine the bank’s operations and appointed Promontory Financial Group to conduct a thorough review of all its client relationships.
In January 2014, he replaced four of the five cardinals overseeing the bank—appointments that had been confirmed during the final days of Benedict XVI’s pontificate. Ernst von Freyberg was brought in to lead the reform process, which included oversight from both lay experts and clergy.
Despite the progress, the Moneyval committee—an EU watchdog for money laundering—believed further reforms were necessary. Francis even hinted at the possibility of closing the bank altogether if cleaning up its operations proved unfeasible. While the future of the Vatican Bank remained uncertain, his early actions signaled a strong commitment to financial accountability within the Holy See.
##Writings and Reform
Pope Francis authored numerous books, encyclicals, and official Church texts, including a memoir titled Hope. On 29 June 2013, he issued the encyclical Lumen Fidei, which had been mostly drafted by Pope Benedict XVI but remained incomplete at his retirement. Later that year, on 24 November, Francis released his first major papal letter, the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, which he described as setting the direction for his pontificate.
On 18 June 2015, Francis published his first fully original encyclical, Laudato Si', focusing on environmental care and the need for ecological conversion. This was followed by his second apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, released on 8 April 2016, which reflected on love within the family. The document sparked debate, especially around its openness to allowing divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion, prompting a group of cardinals to seek clarification from the pope later that year.
Francis released another apostolic exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate ("Rejoice and Be Glad"), on 19 March 2018. It emphasized the universal call to holiness and challenged modern forms of spiritual elitism, urging Christians to live out the Beatitudes in a countercultural way.
In February 2019, Francis publicly acknowledged the sexual abuse of religious sisters by priests and bishops. He responded by convening a global summit on clergy sexual abuse that same month. As a direct outcome, he issued the motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi on 9 May 2019, mandating clearer reporting procedures for abuse allegations involving bishops and requiring cooperation from other bishops in such cases.
On 4 October 2020, he published the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, which emphasized fraternity, solidarity, and social friendship across nations and cultures. Then on 8 December 2020, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he issued the apostolic letter Patris Corde ("With a Father's Heart"), in honor of Saint Joseph. He also declared a "Year of Saint Joseph" from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Saint Joseph being named Patron of the Universal Church.
Continuing his reform efforts, on 1 June 2021, Francis released the apostolic constitution Pascite Gregem Dei, which updated the Church’s penal code. It strengthened penalties for sexual and financial crimes and included stricter measures against the unauthorized ordination of women.
##Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue
Pope Francis continued the vision of the Second Vatican Council by actively promoting unity among Christian denominations, fostering dialogue with other religions, and encouraging peaceful coexistence with non-religious individuals. He consistently emphasized mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation as essential paths toward peace and understanding in a pluralistic world.
Clerical Titles:
In January 2014, Pope Francis announced reforms regarding clerical titles, stating that he would significantly reduce the number of priests granted the title of "monsignor." Only the lowest rank, "Chaplain of His Holiness," would be conferred, and only to diocesan priests aged 65 and older. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis had never requested the title for his clergy, associating such honors with clerical ambition and hierarchical prestige. However, this restriction did not apply to clergy serving in the Roman Curia or diplomatic service, where career progression was more institutionalized.
Canonizations, Beatifications, and Doctors of the Church:
Pope Francis presided over his first canonizations on 12 May 2013, when he declared saints the Martyrs of Otranto—Antonio Primaldo and 812 companions executed in 1480—as well as Sisters Laura of St. Catherine of Siena and María Guadalupe García Zavala. This event marked the largest group of saints canonized in a single ceremony in papal history.
During his pontificate, Francis canonized several notable figures, including Saints Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin (the first married couple canonized together), Mother Teresa, and Óscar Romero. He also canonized three popes: John XXIII, John Paul II, and Paul VI. Additionally, he advanced the sainthood process of John Paul I by declaring him both Venerable and later Blessed.
Francis further recognized two new Doctors of the Church: Saint Gregory of Narek in 2015 and Saint Irenaeus of Lyon in 2022, honoring their theological contributions and enduring spiritual influence.
##The Jubilee Year of Mercy
In April 2015, Pope Francis announced an Extraordinary Jubilee Year dedicated to mercy through his papal bull Misericordiae Vultus ("The Face of Mercy"). This Holy Year began on 8 December 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and concluded on 20 November 2016, the Feast of Christ the King.
To mark the Jubilee, the Holy Doors of Rome’s major basilicas were opened, and special "Doors of Mercy" were designated at cathedrals and prominent churches around the world. Pilgrims who passed through these doors while fulfilling traditional spiritual practices—such as confession, receiving communion, and praying for the pope’s intentions—could receive a plenary indulgence.
Throughout Lent, the Church hosted 24-hour reconciliation events, and specially appointed "Missionaries of Mercy" were commissioned to hear confessions and offer absolution for sins typically reserved to the Holy See. These priests served in dioceses worldwide as visible signs of God’s boundless mercy.
To further extend the spirit of the Jubilee beyond its conclusion, Pope Francis established the World Day of the Poor. This initiative was introduced in his apostolic letter Misericordia et Misera, published at the close of the Holy Year, underscoring the Church’s ongoing mission to serve the marginalized and promote compassion.
##Pope Francis During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis took swift action to prevent the spread of the virus by suspending his public general audiences in St. Peter’s Square, as Italy became one of the hardest-hit countries. He encouraged priests to remain close to the sick and healthcare workers, and he urged the faithful to remember and support the poor during the global crisis. Francis also prayed for those affected in China and invoked the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Salus Populi Romani as the Diocese of Rome observed prayer and fasting in memory of the victims.
On 13 March 2020, he expressed dissatisfaction when the Vicar General of Rome ordered all churches closed. While respecting lockdown measures, Francis called for pastoral presence and worked to reverse the complete closure of churches to ensure spiritual support was still accessible.
On 20 March 2020, he tasked the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development with forming a Vatican COVID-19 Commission to address both immediate concerns and future challenges. One week later, on 27 March, he delivered a rare Urbi et Orbi blessing from an empty St. Peter’s Square. Reflecting on the Gospel of Mark and the calming of the storm, he spoke of a world silenced and overwhelmed by darkness and isolation, emphasizing unity and compassion in the face of suffering.
Francis also emphasized the moral responsibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Addressing the economic fallout from the pandemic, he advocated for the introduction of a universal basic wage to help those left most vulnerable by the crisis.
##Opposition to the Death Penalty
Pope Francis firmly committed the Catholic Church to opposing the death penalty worldwide. In 2018, he revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church, declaring capital punishment "inadmissible" as it violates the dignity and sanctity of human life. He reaffirmed this position in his 2020 encyclical Fratelli tutti, stating there should be no retreat from this stance.
In a 2022 address to Vatican diplomats, Francis reiterated that the death penalty does not serve justice or act as a deterrent, but rather perpetuates a cycle of vengeance. He called on the international community to end its use in the name of true justice and human dignity.
##Pope Francis and the Evolving Role of Women in the Church
Pope Francis has consistently upheld the Catholic Church’s longstanding teaching that women cannot be ordained as priests. However, he has shown openness to exploring other avenues for increasing women's roles within the Church. In 2016, he established a Study Commission on the Women’s Diaconate to examine the historical role of female deacons in early Christianity. Although the commission completed its work, the results were not publicly released. Francis later stated in 2019 that the group had failed to reach a consensus on the issue.
In April 2020, he formed a second commission, led by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, to revisit the topic with new members. Despite this, Francis refrained from making a definitive decision for several years. In interviews given in late 2023 and 2024, he indicated a clear stance against female deacons, emphasizing that holy orders are reserved for men. He argued that this was not a matter of inequality, but rather a reflection of the unique and vital spiritual roles women hold within the Church, which he described as being distinct from ministerial functions.
In January 2021, Francis issued Spiritus Domini, a document formally allowing bishops to institute women in the ministries of lector and acolyte. Though women had long served in these capacities informally, this marked the first time Church law explicitly permitted their formal institution. Francis clarified that these lay ministries differ from the ordained ministries reserved for clergy.
A month later, Francis broke new ground by appointing women to key Vatican positions traditionally held by men. Nathalie Becquart, a member of the Xaviere Missionary Sisters, was named co-undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, becoming the first woman to hold this role. Italian magistrate Catia Summaria was appointed the first female Promoter of Justice in the Vatican's Court of Appeals.
In another historic move, Francis announced in April 2023 that 35 women would be granted voting rights at the Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops—representing just over 10% of the total voters. This marked the first time women were allowed to vote at a Catholic Synod of Bishops, signifying a significant step toward greater inclusion of women in Church decision-making processes.
##Confronting Financial Corruption in the Vatican
Upon his election, Pope Francis was tasked by the cardinal electors with reforming Vatican finances following widespread scandals under Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Acknowledging the deep-rooted nature of corruption in Church institutions, Francis pledged to combat it vigorously, though he expressed limited optimism, citing the persistence of financial misconduct throughout history as a human failing.
##Apology to Indigenous Peoples of Canada
In early 2022, Pope Francis expressed profound "shame and sorrow" for the Catholic Church’s role in abuses committed against Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly in residential schools. During a historic visit to Canada in July 2022, he described the Church’s involvement as "cultural genocide" and apologized for participating in "projects of cultural destruction." He visited the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, begged forgiveness for the injustices committed by Christians, and promised a thorough investigation into the history of abuse.
##Response to Sexual Abuse in the Church
Francis’s handling of clerical sexual abuse cases has been one of the most scrutinized aspects of his papacy. Prior to becoming pope, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio supported a 2010 study defending convicted Argentine priest Julio César Grassi, despite a later confirmation of Grassi’s conviction by Argentina’s Supreme Court.
Early in his papacy, Francis reduced the penalty for Italian priest Mauro Inzoli, accused of sexually abusing minors, allowing him to remain a priest under restrictions. Inzoli was later convicted in civil court. Francis later admitted mishandling the case, attributing his leniency to inexperience.
In 2015, he faced backlash for defending Chilean bishop Juan Barros, accused of covering up abuse. After further evidence emerged, Francis admitted to "grave errors" in judgment and initiated a Vatican investigation that led to the resignation of Barros and two other bishops.
One of the most high-profile cases was that of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Despite longstanding allegations, McCarrick maintained high Church positions for decades. Francis commissioned a comprehensive investigation in 2018, culminating in a 2020 report that revealed failures by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI to act on credible allegations. McCarrick was ultimately defrocked.
In February 2019, Francis convened a summit on sexual abuse, which was met with mixed reviews due to its lack of binding reforms. That same year, he lifted "pontifical secrecy" protections in abuse cases, easing the process for bishops to cooperate with civil authorities—an action welcomed by advocates but still criticized for not requiring proactive disclosures.
Francis later praised journalists for exposing abuse scandals and acknowledged the Church’s failures to act promptly and transparently. Despite these efforts, challenges persisted. In 2022, French Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard admitted to sexual abuse, but retained his cardinal status, leading to further criticism.
##The Rupnik Controversy and Renewed Scrutiny
The case of Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik further highlighted ongoing issues with abuse accountability. Accused of extensive spiritual and sexual abuse against women—including nuns—Rupnik initially avoided prosecution due to the statute of limitations. He was expelled from the Jesuits for disobedience rather than the abuse itself and controversially welcomed into another diocese. Amid backlash, Francis ordered a reopening of the investigation. Rupnik had previously preached for the Curia and met privately with Francis in 2022. His continued artistic presence in Vatican properties sparked criticism, including from Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley.
In January 2025, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández confirmed that the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith was in the process of forming an independent tribunal to ensure transparent judicial proceedings moving forward.
##Pope Francis’s Theological Emphases and Teachings
Pope Francis’s pontificate has been marked by a dynamic and pastoral approach to theology, emphasizing mercy, inclusion, dialogue, and global solidarity. His teachings often prioritize lived human experience and pastoral realities over rigid doctrinal formulations. His theological vision is exemplified in several major documents and decisions, which have sparked significant support and criticism both within and outside the Catholic Church.
Fiducia Supplicans (2023): A New Framework for Pastoral Blessings
Released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) under Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández in December 2023, Fiducia supplicans represents a theological and pastoral shift in how the Catholic Church approaches blessings. While reaffirming that the Church does not recognize same-sex unions as equivalent to sacramental marriage, the document permits priests to offer non-liturgical, spontaneous blessings to same-sex couples and others in "irregular" situations, such as cohabiting heterosexual couples.
Theologically, Fiducia supplicans repositions blessings as pastoral gestures of accompaniment and hope, not sacraments or endorsements of specific moral behaviors. The document emphasizes God's unconditional love and the Church's responsibility to be close to the marginalized. The move sparked praise for its compassionate tone but also significant backlash from traditionalist bishops, particularly in Africa and parts of Eastern Europe, some of whom formally rejected the document’s implementation.
Traditionis Custodes (2021) and the Tridentine Mass:
In Traditionis Custodes ("Guardians of the Tradition"), Pope Francis reversed many of the permissions granted by Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 Summorum Pontificum, which had expanded access to the Tridentine Mass (also known as the Traditional Latin Mass or TLM). Francis limited the celebration of the TLM and placed greater control in the hands of local bishops, with the aim of promoting liturgical unity and reaffirming the authority of the Second Vatican Council’s reforms.
Francis expressed concern that the increased celebration of the TLM was fostering division and rejecting the liturgical and theological vision of Vatican II. He emphasized the importance of one Roman Rite, centered on the post-conciliar Novus Ordo Mass. This move was highly controversial and drew criticism from traditionalist Catholics who saw it as marginalizing their spiritual expression. Supporters argue that it upholds the Council's call for liturgical reform and ecclesial unity.
Document on Human Fraternity (2019):
Co-signed with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi, the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together marked a historic moment in interreligious dialogue, particularly between Christianity and Islam. The document calls for universal peace, the protection of religious minorities, the rejection of violence in the name of religion, and the promotion of human rights and dignity.
Theologically, the document emphasizes a shared spiritual and moral responsibility among all religious people to protect the vulnerable, promote tolerance, and work together for the common good. Francis's role in this initiative aligns with his broader vision of a "culture of encounter", and his belief that religious leaders must be peacemakers in a fragmented world. However, some conservative theologians criticized the document for language that seemed to imply a divine will for religious pluralism, raising concerns about theological relativism.
Theological Disagreements:
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has encountered resistance from theologians, bishops, and Catholic intellectuals over his perceived pastoral over doctrinal emphasis. Critics argue that his approach sometimes introduces ambiguity or undermines settled Church teaching. Key areas of disagreement include:
Amoris Laetitia (2016): The post-synodal apostolic exhortation on family life suggested that divorced and civilly remarried Catholics might, in certain cases, receive the Eucharist. Critics, including four cardinals who issued the famous Dubia, argued that this blurred doctrinal clarity on marriage and the Eucharist.
Synodality: Francis’s vision of a “synodal Church” that listens and consults broadly has been praised for democratizing decision-making. However, some argue it risks turning the Church into a sociological rather than theological institution, especially when controversial issues like women’s ordination or LGBTQ+ inclusion are on the table.
Doctrinal Authority: Francis’s theological style is often described as Jesuitical—flexible, reflective, and context-driven—which has led to disputes over whether he is preserving continuity with traditional Church teaching. Conservatives claim he introduces doctrinal confusion; progressives often view him as not going far enough in reform.
Position Toward China:
Pope Francis’s stance toward China has been one of cautious diplomacy, aimed at maintaining the Church's presence in a country where religious freedom is restricted. In 2018, the Vatican reached a provisional agreement with the Chinese government over the appointment of bishops—a sensitive issue that has long divided the “underground” Church loyal to Rome and the state-sanctioned “Patriotic Catholic Association.”
The agreement allows for a negotiated process of bishop appointments, with the Pope retaining final authority. Francis has defended the deal as a step toward unity and dialogue, citing the need to protect Chinese Catholics and avoid schism. However, the agreement has faced heavy criticism for seeming to legitimize a repressive regime, especially amid reports of ongoing persecution of Christians, Uighur Muslims, and other religious minorities. Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong has been one of the most vocal critics, accusing Francis of betraying faithful Catholics in China.
##Pope Francis: Public Persona, Perception, and Popular Recognition
Pope Francis has often been labeled a progressive or moderate liberal, though such characterizations remain a subject of debate. Commentator William Saletan described him as fundamentally anti-conservative, referencing Francis’s emphasis on encountering God “in the world of today” and recognizing divine activity within historical events. However, others have contested this portrayal, cautioning against oversimplifying his theological and pastoral approach.
One incident in 2014 highlights the complexity of his messaging: several news agencies, including the Agence France-Presse, reported that Francis had expressed openness toward same-sex marriage or civil unions. The Vatican swiftly responded, stating that the pope’s comments were taken out of context and did not signify any shift in official doctrine.
Central to Francis’s public image are his personal humility and authenticity. Known for his down-to-earth demeanor and accessibility, he reportedly preferred using landline phones and had never owned a computer or mobile phone. His efforts to remain independent of the entrenched bureaucracy of the Roman Curia further shaped his reputation as a reformer. Demonstrating his personal commitment to the marginalized, Francis donated nearly €200,000 of his private funds to a pasta-making initiative for incarcerated youth shortly before his death.
Francis’s widespread appeal earned him numerous accolades. In December 2013, Time and The Advocate named him “Person of the Year,” while Esquire dubbed him “Best-Dressed Man” for his modest papal attire. He appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in January 2014, and Fortune ranked him first among the “50 Greatest Leaders.” He also featured prominently in Forbes' lists of the world’s most powerful people in both 2014 and 2016.
Tributes to the pope extended beyond the media. A song titled Come Puoi (“How You Can”) was released in his honor in multiple languages. In his native Argentina, a street in La Plata was renamed “Papa Francisco,” and the Chamber of Deputies authorized the minting of a commemorative coin to celebrate his papacy. The surge in sales of papal memorabilia in 2013 also reflected his global popularity.
Francis officiated his first public wedding ceremony as pope on 14 September 2014, marrying 20 couples from the Archdiocese of Rome in a Nuptial Mass shortly before the Synod on the Family.
In 2016, Francis embraced digital media by becoming the first pope to join Instagram. His account attracted over one million followers within 12 hours, setting a new record. Later, in November 2020, he became the first pontiff to pen an op-ed for The New York Times, in which he addressed global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and called for renewed international solidarity.
A devoted football fan, Francis supported San Lorenzo de Almagro, his favorite Argentine club. When the team won the 2014 Copa Libertadores, they visited him in Rome and presented him with a replica trophy and a goalkeeper’s glove.
##Pope Francis’s Later Years: Health Challenges and Resilience
Elected pope at the age of 76, Francis was initially considered to be in good health. Medical professionals noted that the partial removal of lung tissue in his youth had little long-term impact, though it slightly reduced his respiratory reserve and made him more vulnerable to infections. Over time, however, chronic lung issues contributed to recurring bouts of bronchitis and influenza, particularly during the colder months.
In addition to respiratory ailments, Francis struggled with mobility. Persistent knee pain and sciatica led him to rely increasingly on a wheelchair, walker, or cane. These visible signs of aging sparked speculation in 2021 about a possible papal resignation—a notion Francis publicly dismissed. Nevertheless, his health concerns became more evident when, in June 2022, he canceled apostolic visits to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan following treatment for knee-related issues.
In March 2023, Francis was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection but returned in time to preside over the Easter Vigil Mass the following month. Then, in June, he underwent abdominal surgery to treat a hernia. In the aftermath, he acknowledged that his mobility challenges had ushered in what Reuters described as "a new, slower phase of his papacy." Despite these difficulties, many within the disabled Catholic community commended him for normalizing physical limitations and making his disability part of his public witness.
Francis’s most serious health crisis came in February 2025 when he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis. His condition worsened into a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection accompanied by bilateral pneumonia. Reports described his state as critical. He required blood transfusions, high-flow oxygen therapy, and, for several days, mechanical ventilation. During this time, he suffered two acute episodes of respiratory failure.
After nearly five weeks of intensive care, Francis was discharged on 23 March 2025. In a symbolic gesture of resilience, he appeared on the hospital balcony to deliver a blessing before returning to the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence in Vatican City to begin a period of extended rest and reduced duties. On 6 April, he made his first public appearance since the hospitalization, signaling a gradual return to activity.
##The Final Days of Pope Francis: A Legacy Concluded
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025, addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. In what would become his last Easter message, he called for peace and urged a ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting his enduring commitment to global reconciliation and justice.
Just a day later, on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, Francis passed away at 07:35 local time in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. He was 88 years old. His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a televised announcement on the Vatican’s media channels. The cause of death was a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma followed by irreversible cardiac arrest.
Following his passing, the Church entered a period of papal interregnum and observed the traditional nine-day mourning period, known as novendiales. His funeral was held on 26 April 2025, drawing cardinals and mourners from around the world. On 7 May, the conclave to elect a new pope began, and the following day, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—elevated to the College of Cardinals by Francis in 2023—was elected as his successor, taking the papal name Leo XIV.
In accordance with his wishes, outlined in a spiritual testament dated 29 June 2022, Francis was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place deeply significant to him throughout his life. His burial marked the first papal interment at the basilica since Pope Clement IX in 1669.
Francis’s testament closed with a poignant reflection:
"May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples."
With his death, Pope Francis left behind a legacy of humility, reform, and a vision of the Church rooted in compassion and inclusivity.
##A Papacy of Reform and Reckoning: The Legacy of Francis in a Changing World
Pope Francis's tenure unfolded during a time of significant transformation and introspection both within the global Catholic Church and the broader international landscape. His pontificate was marked by a strong advocacy for marginalized populations—especially refugees, migrants, and the impoverished—consistently emphasizing the Church's moral responsibility to stand with the oppressed.
From the onset of his papacy, Francis voiced unwavering opposition to global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar, among others. His denunciations of violence and injustice underscored his commitment to peace and human dignity in an increasingly fragmented world.
In reshaping the College of Cardinals, Francis appointed over 80% of its members, reducing the European dominance to a plurality and thus broadening the Church’s geographical and cultural representation. His outreach extended notably to China and Africa, and he made concerted efforts to engage youth and adapt to evolving expressions of faith. Among his doctrinal contributions was the formal declaration of the Church's absolute opposition to the death penalty—a historic move toward a more consistent ethic of life.
Although Francis maintained the Church’s long-standing prohibition on the ordination of women to the priesthood, diaconate, and episcopacy, he took unprecedented steps to increase women’s participation in ecclesiastical governance. He allowed women to vote in the Synod of Bishops and expanded their roles in Vatican departments and commissions that had historically excluded them. Critics, however, argued that these reforms remained within traditional hierarchical structures and fell short of achieving genuine gender parity.
Liturgically, Francis was distinguished by his firm stance on curbing the use of the Tridentine Mass. Unlike his immediate predecessors, who were more permissive, he tightened Vatican control over its use and imposed restrictions on its celebration by new priests. This move was grounded in his concern that the older liturgical form had come to symbolize resistance to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and to his own papal authority.
In 2022, Francis issued a landmark apology on behalf of the Vatican for its role in the cultural erasure and forced assimilation of First Nations peoples in Canada—an act widely seen as a significant gesture of reconciliation. His approval of the conditional blessing of same-sex couples was hailed by many progressives as a step toward greater inclusion, though he continued to face criticism—both from conservatives and LGBTQ advocates—regarding the Church’s positions on homosexuality and gender identity.
Throughout his pontificate, Francis’s progressive views and pastoral style frequently drew ire from traditionalist quarters within the Church. Yet, for many, he stood as a bridge between a historically rigid institution and a world yearning for compassion, dialogue, and reform.
Credit: Wikipedia