Pope Francis (1936 – 2025): A Life Dedicated to Service

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to ascend to the Chair of Saint Peter, he profoundly shaped the Catholic Church through his simplicity, social commitment, and desire for reform. Here is a look back at the key moments of an extraordinary life.

1936 – Born in Buenos Aires

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in a working-class neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the eldest of five children. His parents, of Italian descent, came from a modest immigrant background rooted in Catholic tradition. From a young age, he learned the value of work, humility, and solidarity.

1957 – A Calling Born from Illness

At age 21, while suffering from a serious lung infection that required the partial removal of one lung, Jorge experienced a spiritual awakening that would change his life. He joined the Jesuit seminary, drawn to the order’s intellectual rigor and commitment to social justice.

1969 – Ordained to the Priesthood

On December 13, 1969, Bergoglio was ordained a priest after completing studies in philosophy and theology, and after teaching literature. He quickly stood out for his closeness to the poor and his austere lifestyle. He rejected comfort, took public transport, and immersed himself in the lives of those in the slums.

1992 – Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires

Appointed auxiliary bishop and later Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, Bergoglio became known for his humble approach. He declined to live in the archbishop’s palace, choosing instead a modest apartment. He cooked his own meals and advocated for a “poor Church for the poor.”

2001 – Created Cardinal by John Paul II

On February 21, 2001, Pope John Paul II made Bergoglio a cardinal. He became increasingly involved in Vatican affairs while remaining true to his pastoral priorities. He gained influence through quiet strength, never seeking the spotlight.

2013 – Elected to the Papacy

On March 13, 2013, in the wake of Pope Benedict XVI’s historic resignation, Bergoglio was elected pope—an unexpected choice. He took the name Francis in homage to Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility, peace, and care for creation. His first words as pope were deeply moving in their simplicity:

“The cardinals went to the ends of the earth to find him.”

2013–2025 – A Reforming and Compassionate Pontificate

During his twelve-year pontificate, Pope Francis sought to renew the Church while honoring its tradition.
His papacy was marked by:

• A Church for the marginalized: He consistently advocated for migrants, the poor, and the forgotten.

• A prophetic voice for the planet: In 2015, he published Laudato si’, a groundbreaking encyclical on environmental stewardship.

• A Church that listens: On issues of sexuality, family, and homosexuality, he emphasized mercy, even as doctrine remained unchanged.

• Internal reform: He worked to clean up Vatican finances, simplify the Roman Curia, and address the scourge of sexual abuse—though the work remains unfinished.

• A new papal style: He rejected papal luxury, lived at the modest Casa Santa Marta, used plain language, and remained close to the people.

2021–2025 – Ailing Yet Undeterred

Despite recurring health issues—including colon surgery in 2021, chronic knee pain, and bouts of bronchitis—Francis continued his mission with resilience. He kept traveling, preaching, meeting youth, world leaders, the poor, and prisoners.

2024 – Final Major Apostolic Journey

At age 87, Pope Francis undertook his final major trip: a twelve-day tour of Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore. This demanding journey was hailed as a final act of commitment and courage.

April 21, 2025 – His Final Breath

The Vatican announced his passing on the morning of April 21:

“At 7:35 a.m., Pope Francis returned to the House of the Father.”

His death marks the end of a deeply human pontificate—sometimes controversial, always guided by unwavering faith and genuine compassion.

The Legacy of a Pope from the End of the Earth

Man of prayer and action, pope of the poor, bridge-builder in a divided world—Francis tried to bring the Church closer to the modern world without compromising its core. His legacy will remain deeply etched in the history of contemporary Catholicism.