Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern religious leadership, has died at the age of 88.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European to hold the papacy in over a millennium.
Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants, Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori. Before entering the priesthood, he earned a degree as a chemical technician. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained in 1969. His leadership within the Church grew steadily, culminating in his service as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 until 2013. In 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated him to Cardinal.
Throughout his papacy, Francis was known for his humility, simple lifestyle, and strong commitment to the poor and marginalized. He championed causes such as environmental protection, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
One of his most significant contributions to Church doctrine was the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which addressed the global climate crisis and called for environmental stewardship. He also frequently spoke out on the plight of migrants and refugees, calling for compassion and inclusion.
Pope Francis was widely admired for his approachable demeanor and modern communication style. He was the first Pope to actively engage with followers on social media, including Twitter and Instagram. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his emphasis on humility and care for creation.
Outside of his religious duties, he was known to enjoy tango dancing, a nod to his Argentine roots.
Pope Francis will be remembered as a reformer who steered the Catholic Church through complex global challenges while striving to make it more inclusive, compassionate, and connected to contemporary issues. His leadership redefined the role of the papacy in the 21st century.
