Pope

Who is Pope Francis?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the 266th and most recent pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His papacy was marked by a focus on humility, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Notably, he was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium.

Personal Life

Pope Francis has led a personal life marked by humility, simplicity, and a deep commitment to serving others. His decision to pursue a religious vocation was deeply influenced by his experiences growing up in Buenos Aires, as well as by the Jesuit spirituality that emphasized service to the poor and marginalized. Despite his significant achievements within the Catholic Church, he has always maintained a lifestyle of humility and simplicity, characteristics that have become central to his persona as pope.

Before he became pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was known for his humility and personal restraint. As the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived in a modest apartment instead of the luxurious residence traditionally allocated to archbishops. He often traveled on public transport, and he was known for his preference for a simple lifestyle that reflected his deep concern for the poor and the underprivileged. Bergoglio also maintained a close relationship with his family, particularly his mother, who remained an important influence on his life even after his ordination.

Bergoglio’s personal life was also shaped by his deep commitment to prayer and spiritual discipline. His devotion to the Eucharist and the teachings of the Church were central to his personal spiritual life. Despite his busy responsibilities as a cardinal and later as pope, Pope Francis has always emphasized the importance of maintaining a personal relationship with God, through prayer and meditation.

In addition to his religious life, Pope Francis has shown a keen interest in literature, music, and the arts. He is known to enjoy reading, particularly works on philosophy and spirituality. His personal life is also marked by a commitment to social issues, particularly his advocacy for refugees, the homeless, and those living in poverty. These causes have been at the forefront of his papacy and have been informed by his personal experiences growing up in Argentina.

Early Life and Education

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, into a middle-class family of Italian descent. His father, Mario José Bergoglio, was a railway worker, while his mother, Regina María Sivori, was a homemaker. Jorge was the first of five children in the Bergoglio family, and his upbringing in Buenos Aires greatly influenced his later choices and views. His family faced economic difficulties, especially during the 1940s when Argentina was going through a period of economic hardship. Despite these challenges, Bergoglio’s family remained close-knit, and their strong sense of faith shaped his worldview.

As a young boy, Jorge was active in his local community and was well known for his inquisitive nature and strong sense of duty. However, his early childhood was not without difficulty. At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with a serious lung infection that led to the removal of part of his lung. This illness marked a turning point in his life, as it led to a period of reflection, during which he began considering a vocation to the priesthood.

Jorge’s education was primarily in Argentina, where he attended the prestigious Colegio Maximo de San José, a Jesuit-run school. Here, he developed an early interest in theology and spirituality. He was an exceptional student and was known for his discipline and hard work. In 1958, Bergoglio entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in Buenos Aires. The Jesuits’ educational tradition had a profound impact on him, and he developed a deep sense of social justice, which would later become a cornerstone of his papacy.

He studied philosophy at the Colegio Maximo de San José and later earned a degree in theology from the Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires. His intellectual training was broad and rigorous, and he showed an interest in the works of both Catholic and secular scholars. Bergoglio’s Jesuit education also instilled in him the values of humility, service to the poor, and commitment to social justice—values that would shape both his personal and professional life.

After completing his theological studies, Bergoglio was ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969. His Jesuit training and the academic foundation he received during his education gave him the intellectual tools to think deeply about issues affecting society, politics, and the Church. His education continued beyond the classroom, as he also spent time in various Jesuit institutions, where he engaged in pastoral work and began to develop his leadership qualities. These experiences set him on a path that would eventually lead him to the papacy.

Family

Pope Francis’s family played a central role in shaping the man he would become. He was born into a close-knit family with a strong Italian heritage. His father, Mario José Bergoglio, was an immigrant from Italy who worked as a railway worker, and his mother, Regina María Sivori, was a homemaker. The Bergoglio family had a deep sense of faith, which was passed down to Jorge from an early age.

Though Pope Francis is often seen as a figure who prioritizes the universal Church over familial bonds, his family remained an important part of his life throughout his time as a priest, cardinal, and pope. He had a particularly close relationship with his mother, Regina, who was a constant source of emotional support for him throughout his life. Regina passed away in 1981, but she remained an influential figure in his spiritual life.

Pope Francis also has a strong bond with his siblings. He was very close to his younger brother, who, like Jorge, became a priest. Pope Francis’s family members have remained relatively private, but their influence on him was profound. The strong family dynamics he experienced growing up gave him a sense of stability and grounded him in values of love, care, and responsibility, which he carried with him throughout his life.

Pope Francis never married and has always focused his energies on his religious duties, but he has expressed deep affection for children and young people. He frequently advocates for families and often speaks about the importance of family life in the modern world, encouraging families to support one another in the face of global challenges.

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Career

Pope Francis’s career within the Catholic Church has been marked by a steady rise through the ranks, shaped by his deep faith, intellectual acumen, and commitment to social justice. After being ordained as a priest in 1969, Bergoglio spent several years working in various Jesuit educational and pastoral roles. His work within the Jesuit order helped him build a solid foundation for his future career, and he became known for his focus on the poor and marginalized members of society.

In 1973, Bergoglio was appointed the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, a position that allowed him to lead and oversee the activities of the Jesuit order in the country. His leadership was characterized by a focus on education and social justice. During this period, he was also involved in various social and political movements, though he always avoided taking a direct political stance. His leadership and decision-making skills earned him respect, but his tenure was also marked by tension with the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina at the time.

In 1992, Bergoglio was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 1998, he was named Archbishop of the same diocese. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio gained national and international recognition for his pastoral work, particularly his advocacy for the poor and his efforts to address social issues such as unemployment, hunger, and homelessness. His simple lifestyle, commitment to the poor, and deep spirituality resonated with the people, and he became one of the most beloved religious leaders in Argentina.

Bergoglio was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, and his prominence within the Church grew steadily. His work as a cardinal focused on fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting Catholic social teaching, and addressing issues such as poverty and inequality. In 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility and service to the poor.

Pope Francis’s papacy has been marked by his focus on reforming the Church, promoting social justice, and addressing contemporary global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and the refugee crisis. His calls for mercy, compassion, and inclusivity have resonated with millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Under his leadership, the Church has emphasized a message of hope and reconciliation, focusing on the importance of building bridges rather than walls.

His career as pope has brought him to the forefront of global politics and diplomacy, where he has become a voice for peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. Through his actions and words, Pope Francis has left an indelible mark on both the Catholic Church and the world, shaping the future of the Church for generations to come.

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Physical Appearance and Height

Pope Francis stood approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. He had a slender build with a warm and approachable demeanor. His facial features included a gentle smile and expressive eyes, often reflecting his compassionate nature. Throughout his papacy, he was frequently seen wearing the traditional white cassock and zucchetto, symbolizing his role as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.​

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Latest News

As of April 21, 2025, the latest and most significant news concerning Pope Francis is his passing at the age of 88. He died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM CEST at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death, stating that Pope Francis had “returned to the home of the Father”

Pope Francis had been hospitalized earlier in 2025 for a serious bout of double pneumonia and had recently been discharged after a month-long hospitalization. Despite his health challenges, he remained active in his duties, delivering his final Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica on April 20, just a day before his death

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Leaders from various faiths, including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities, have praised his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and global peace. Notably, King Charles reflected on his final meeting with Pope Francis on April 9, where they exchanged gifts and discussed matters of mutual concern

The Vatican is now in a period of mourning, and preparations are underway for his funeral. A papal conclave will be convened in the coming weeks to elect his successor, continuing the legacy of the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, whose tenure was marked by compassion, humility, and a commitment to social justice.

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Pope Francis’s net worth is closely tied to the financial assets of the Holy See, which are estimated at €2.95 billion. These assets are managed by the Institute for the Works of Religion, the Vatican’s financial institution. It’s important to note that the pope does not personally own these assets; rather, they are held in trust for the Catholic Church and its global mission. Pope Francis has emphasized transparency and ethical stewardship in managing these resources.​

Pope Francis’s tenure as the leader of the Catholic Church was characterized by his commitment to social justice, humility, and interfaith dialogue. His passing marks the end of a significant era in the Church’s history, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and reform. He will be remembered for his efforts to make the Church more inclusive and for his advocacy for the marginalized and the environment.​

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FAQS

• What does the pope do? The pope is the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, responsible for guiding the faithful, overseeing church doctrine, and making key decisions on global religious matters. He also serves as the head of state for Vatican City and represents the Catholic Church in diplomatic relations.

• Who is the current pope? As of 2025, the current pope is Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He has served as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church since March 13, 2013.

• What happens when Pope Francis passes away? When Pope Francis passes away, a period of mourning begins, and the College of Cardinals is responsible for organizing his funeral and preparing for the papal conclave, where a new pope is elected to lead the Church.

• Why is the pope buried in three coffins? The pope is traditionally buried in three coffins to symbolize the different stages of death: the first coffin is made of zinc, representing the body; the second, of wood, signifies the return to the earth; and the third coffin, also of wood, is for the final burial, representing the pope’s earthly journey and his transition into eternal life.