Key Takeaways
- Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope from 2013 until his death on April 21, 2025, at age 88.
- As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit, he was known for humility and advocacy for the poor, though his papacy faced controversies.
- His major contributions include encyclicals on climate change and global fraternity, alongside efforts to reform the Catholic Church.
- Health challenges, including a recent stroke and heart failure, marked his final days, with his death prompting global tributes.
- Controversies, such as his role during Argentina’s Dirty War and certain traditionalist policies, sparked debate among followers.
Who Was Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, led the Catholic Church as its 266th pope from 2013 until his passing on April 21, 2025. Known for his humble demeanor and focus on social justice, he was a transformative figure who sought to make the church more inclusive. His death at age 88, following a stroke and heart failure, has left the world reflecting on his remarkable life and legacy.
Why Was He Significant?
As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit, Pope Francis brought a fresh perspective to the papacy. His encyclicals, like Laudato si’ on climate change, and his outreach to marginalized communities reshaped the church’s global role. However, his tenure wasn’t without controversy, with debates over his actions during Argentina’s Dirty War and certain church policies.
What Is His Legacy?
Pope Francis’s legacy is one of compassion and reform. His efforts to address climate change, promote interfaith dialogue, and advocate for the poor have inspired millions. While some criticized his conservative stances on issues like women’s ordination, his commitment to simplicity and service will likely define his place in history.
A Comprehensive Overview of Pope Francis’s Life and Impact
Early Years: The Jesuit Path from Buenos Aires
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, and was raised in an Italian immigrant family. Before a deep spiritual calling brought him to the Jesuit order in 1958, he worked in the food processing sector after receiving his first training as a chemical technician. His studies took him to Santiago, Chile, for humanities, and he earned a licentiate in philosophy in Buenos Aires. Ordained a priest in 1969, he taught literature and psychology and served as the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina from 1973 to 1979.
His early life was not without challenges. During Argentina’s “Dirty War” (1976–1983), a period of political violence, Bergoglio faced scrutiny. Some praised him for helping hide individuals from authorities, while others criticized his response to the disappearance of two Jesuit priests, who were later found alive. To honor his resolute devotion and outstanding leadership, he was granted escalating roles within the Church, initially serving as auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, later elevated to archbishop in the year 1998, and finally distinguished as a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
Becoming Pope Francis: A Historic Election
On March 13, 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, Bergoglio was elected pope on the fifth ballot, becoming the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years. Choosing the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and St. Francis Xavier, he signaled a commitment to simplicity and service. His decision to dwell at the Domus Sanctae Marthae guest house instead of the Apostolic Palace, in contrast to his predecessors, demonstrated his humility.
The election of Pope Francis was a watershed moment for the Catholic Church. His informal approach and focus on the marginalized set him apart, earning both admiration and criticism. His papacy aimed to bridge divides within the church and address pressing global issues, from poverty to environmental crises.
Key Contributions: Reforming the Church and Beyond
Pope Francis’s aim for a more inclusive church and his audacious initiatives characterized his pontificate. His encyclical Laudato si’ (May 2015) called for urgent action on climate change, earning praise from environmentalists worldwide. Fratelli tutti (October 2020) emphasized global fraternity, urging unity in a fractured world. Other notable documents include Lumen fidei (June 2013), Amoris laetitia (March 2016), and Fiducia supplicans (December 2023), which allowed blessings for same-sex couples, a move that sparked both support and backlash.
Within the church, Pope Francis introduced significant reforms. In 2013, he appointed a council of eight cardinals to advise on church governance. He made history by washing the feet of women, including a Muslim, during Maundy Thursday in 2013, and issued a 2016 decree allowing women and girls to participate in Holy Week observances. His Synod on Synodality (2021–2024) gave laypeople, including women, voting rights, closing in October 2024. He made history for gender inclusion in January 2025 when he named Sister Simona Brambilla as the first female head of a Roman Curia department.
Pope Francis was a pioneer on a global scale. As the first pope to address the US Congress, he canonized Junípero Serra in 2015. A step toward Christian unity was taken in 2016 when he met with Kirill I, the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. He met Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb during his 2019 trip to the Arabian Peninsula, when he attended the Global Conference on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. In 2025, he also wrote an open letter to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops criticizing the country’s immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
Health Challenges and Final Days
Pope Francis’s health was a recurring concern throughout his life. At age 21, he suffered pneumonia, resulting in the removal of part of his right lung. In his later years, he faced sciatica (January 2021), colon surgery (July 2021), and knee issues that required a wheelchair by 2022. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia, requiring a 38-day stay. Discharged in late March, he appeared to recover, blessing crowds in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
Pope Francis tragically passed away at 7:35 AM on April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a stroke and irreversible circulatory arrest, according to Vatican physician Andrea Arcangeli. According to reports from media agencies like Reuters, his death was surprising given his previous public appearance.
Legacy: A Pope of Humility and Compassion
Pope Francis’s legacy is one of humility, compassion, and reform. He requested a simple burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the first pope to be buried there since 1669, with only “Franciscus” inscribed on his tomb. In 2025, he published his autobiography Hope, coinciding with the Jubilee Year, offering insights into his life and vision. His death prompted tributes from world leaders, including King Charles, who expressed sadness, and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who praised his efforts for fairness, as noted in Sky News.
His impact extended beyond the church, inspiring action on climate change, poverty, and interfaith dialogue. While his reforms reshaped the church, they also sparked debate, ensuring his legacy will be studied for generations.
Controversies: Navigating a Divided Church
Pope Francis’s tenure was not without controversy. His role during Argentina’s Dirty War remained contentious, with some questioning his actions to protect priests and others. His traditionalist policies, such as Traditionis custodes (July 2021), which restricted the traditional Latin Mass, drew criticism from conservative Catholics. In February 2020, progressives were dissatisfied by his reticence about the ordainment of women or married men in Querida, Amazonia. In 2024, accusations of using a homophobic slur further strained relations with conservative factions, highlighting the challenges of leading a diverse church.
Health Timeline
The following table summarizes Pope Francis’s health history:
| Event | Date | Details |
| Pneumonia, lung removal | 1957 (Age 21) | Part of right lung removed |
| Sciatica | January 2021 | Chronic back pain |
| Colon surgery | July 2021 | Procedure for intestinal issues |
| Knee problems, wheelchair use | 2022 | Mobility issues, used wheelchair |
| Hospitalization for bronchitis | February 14, 2025 | Developed into double pneumonia, 38-day stay |
| Stroke and heart failure | April 21, 2025 | Cause of death, at 7:35 AM |
Conclusion
The strength of faith, humility, and service was demonstrated throughout Pope Francis’s life and tenure as pope. From his early days in Argentina to his transformative leadership of the Catholic Church, he sought to build a more inclusive and compassionate world. Though controversies and health struggles marked his journey, his legacy as a champion of the poor and a voice for global unity endures. As the church prepares to choose his successor, Pope Francis’s teachings remind us that love and service can bridge even the deepest divides.
