Pope Francis
First pope born in the United States, first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine, first pope to be a citizen of Peru.
Last updated
via Wikipedia: Pope Leo XIV · see source
Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 13 March 2013 until his death in 2025. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a family of Italian origin, Bergoglio was inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 after recovering from a severe illness. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American, and the first pope born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969, and from 1973 to 1979 he was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina.
He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the 2013 papal conclave elected Bergoglio as pope on 13 March. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Francis of Assisi.
Lore & Background
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on 17 December 1936 in Flores, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires.
Reader's Guide
Pope Leo XIV's significance lies in his unexpected election as a dark horse candidate in the 2025 conclave, becoming the first pope born in the United States, the first to be a citizen of Peru, and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. He chose the papal name Leo XIV to echo Pope Leo XIII's concern for workers and fairness, and as a response to the challenges of a new industrial revolution and artificial intelligence. As pope, Leo has consistently opposed armed conflict and nationalism while advocating for the rights of immigrants. He has introduced new warnings about the use of artificial intelligence technology.
Leo has affirmed the teachings of his predecessors, including social teachings and the climate policy of Pope Francis. He has consistently pointed to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council as the 'guiding star' of the church. In 2026, he confronted the second Écône consecrations, which resulted in renewed excommunications and schism with the Society of St. Pius X.
Did You Know?
- Prevost was a founding member of Villanovans for Life, the oldest collegiate pro-life club in the United States.
- He took part in the October 1983 protests against the placement of BGM-109G Gryphon missiles at Comiso Airport.
- His childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, was purchased by the Village of Dolton after he became pope.
- Prevost was one of only 13 students in his class to graduate from St. Augustine Seminary High School.
- He organized support for Venezuelan refugees to Peru despite discrimination against the Venezuelans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from March 2013 until his death in April 2025. He was a Jesuit priest by formation and the first pope to come from the Americas.
What made Pope Francis historically significant?
He was the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit to occupy the papal throne, and the first non-European pontiff since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III. His 2013 election marked a dramatic geographic and cultural shift in the Church's leadership.
What were the defining themes of his papacy?
His ministry centered on humility, mercy toward the marginalized, and outspoken advocacy for the poor, migrants, and refugees. He also pressed both the Church and the wider world to confront climate change and challenged what he called the 'trickle-down' economic model.
How did Pope Francis's life end?
He died on 21 April 2025 in Vatican City, having led the Catholic Church for just over twelve years. His passing closed one of the most internationally visible pontificates of the modern era.
Also in the Codexery
More in Christian Saints & Early Church Fathers
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Pope Francis (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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