Pope Francis - Biography

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pope from the Americas. He was elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He is also the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years.

Before becoming pope, Bergoglio served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Known for his humility, simple lifestyle, and commitment to social justice, he chose the name "Francis" after St. Francis of Assisi, a symbol of peace, poverty, and care for creation.

Pope Francis has been widely recognized for his progressive views on climate change, compassion for the marginalized, and efforts to reform the Church, including addressing the global issue of sexual abuse. He emphasizes mercy, forgiveness, and inclusiveness, often challenging the Church and society to look beyond rigid doctrine and care for people’s real struggles.

Despite his popularity, he has also faced criticism from both traditionalist and liberal groups within the Church. Through it all, Pope Francis remains a figure of spiritual leadership and a voice for peace, love, and unity in a troubled world.