Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, marked more than a decade of transformative leadership. From his humble beginnings in Argentina to his tenure as a pope focused on social justice, interfaith dialogue and church reform, his life has been defined by historic milestones and significant challenges.
Pope Francis’ Childhood and Early Life
December 17, 1936: Jorge Mario Bergoglio is born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents.
In this undated photo courtesy of Ediciones B from the book “El jesuita: la historia de francisco, el Papa argentino” by authors Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti, (from left, standing) brother Alberto Horacio, Jorge Mario…
In this undated photo courtesy of Ediciones B from the book “El jesuita: la historia de francisco, el Papa argentino” by authors Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti, (from left, standing) brother Alberto Horacio, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Oscar Adrian and sister Marta Regina, (sitting) sister Maria Elena, mother Regina Maria Sivori and father Mario Jose Francisco.
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March 11, 1958: Bergoglio enters the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), beginning his path toward priesthood, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
In this photo circa 1976 (from left) Victor Zorzin, rector of the School Maximo, Andres Swinnen, teacher of the novices, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, province superior, Carlos Cravena, minister of the school Maximo, and Hipolito Salvo,…
In this photo circa 1976 (from left) Victor Zorzin, rector of the School Maximo, Andres Swinnen, teacher of the novices, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, province superior, Carlos Cravena, minister of the school Maximo, and Hipolito Salvo, ex-provincial in Argentina.
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December 13, 1969: He is ordained as a Jesuit priest.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, undated.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, undated.
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Pope Francis Leads the Roman Catholic Church
March 13, 2013: Elected as the 266th pope, taking the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
Newly elected Pope Francis I speaks to the waiting crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on March 13, 2013, in Vatican City.
Newly elected Pope Francis I speaks to the waiting crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on March 13, 2013, in Vatican City.
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
July 8, 2013: Makes his first pastoral visit outside Rome to Lampedusa, Italy, highlighting the plight of migrants.
Pope Francis speaks to migrants, wearing white caps, during his visit to the island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, on July 8, 2013.
Pope Francis speaks to migrants, wearing white caps, during his visit to the island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, on July 8, 2013.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photos
July 27, 2013: Pope Francis rides in the Popemobile on World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Popemobile is a specially designed vehicle used by Pope Francis for public appearances, allowing him to greet and bless crowds while ensuring his safety. Unlike some of his predecessors, Pope Francis has opted for simpler, less enclosed versions of the Popemobile, emphasizing his desire to remain close to the people.
Pope Francis waves to the crowd while riding in the Popemobile during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2013.
Pope Francis waves to the crowd while riding in the Popemobile during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2013.
Sebastien Desarmaux/Getty Images
December 24, 2014: Pope Francis leads the traditional Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering a message of humility and compassion. He urged the faithful to resist materialism and embrace simplicity, reflecting on the birth of Jesus as a symbol of hope for humanity.
Francis kneels as he leads the Christmas Eve mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on December 24, 2014.
Francis kneels as he leads the Christmas Eve mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on December 24, 2014.
Max Rossi/Reuters
March 9, 2014: Visitors to Rome can find a variety of souvenirs, including rosaries, Vatican medals and crucifixes blessed by the pope. Popular items also include Papal-themed postcards, religious icons and replicas of Michelangelo’s Pietà. Many shops near St. Peter’s Basilica offer holy water bottles, while traditional Italian goods like handcrafted leather, Murano glass and espresso cups featuring the Vatican seal are also sought-after keepsakes.
Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI postcards and souvenirs in the center of Rome on March 9, 2014.
Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI postcards and souvenirs in the center of Rome on March 9, 2014.
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March 29, 2015: On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis leads Mass in St. Peter’s Square, urging the faithful to embrace humility and selflessness. During the service, he offered prayers for the victims of the Germanwings Flight 9525 crash, which had occurred days earlier in the French Alps. The pope expressed deep sorrow for the 150 lives lost and called for prayers for their families, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and compassion in times of tragedy.
Pope Francis celebrates the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 29, 2015.
Pope Francis celebrates the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 29, 2015.
Vandeville Eric/AP Photos
March 25, 2018: During Palm Sunday Mass, the pope and cardinals wear red vestments to symbolize the passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The pointed hats, known as mitres, are a traditional part of episcopal attire, representing their authority and service within the Church. The white garments worn underneath signify purity and the resurrection, reflecting the dual themes of suffering and hope that define Holy Week.
Pope Francis, flanked by cardinals, arrives in procession at St. Peter’s Square during the Palm Sunday Mass on March 25, 2018, in Vatican City.
Pope Francis, flanked by cardinals, arrives in procession at St. Peter’s Square during the Palm Sunday Mass on March 25, 2018, in Vatican City.
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January 12, 2025: Every Sunday, Pope Francis delivers his Angelus blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, addressing thousands of pilgrims gathered below. The Angelus consists of a brief reflection on the Gospel, followed by prayers and a blessing. Often, the pope uses this moment to highlight global issues, call for peace, and offer words of encouragement to the faithful. His messages frequently emphasize themes of mercy, solidarity and social justice, reinforcing his commitment to a compassionate and inclusive Church.
Pope Francis delivers his Sunday Angelus blessing from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square on January 12, 2025, in Vatican City.
Pope Francis delivers his Sunday Angelus blessing from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square on January 12, 2025, in Vatican City.
Vatican Media/AP
Pope Francis Meets With International Community
March 9, 2015: Pope Francis meets with Queen Mathilde of Belgium as part of his ongoing efforts to foster diplomatic and interfaith relations. Their meeting focused on humanitarian issues, including social justice, education and mental health—causes the queen actively supports.
Pope Francis gives a rosary to Queen Mathilde of Belgium during a private audience on March 9, 2015, at the Vatican.
Pope Francis gives a rosary to Queen Mathilde of Belgium during a private audience on March 9, 2015, at the Vatican.
GABRIEL BOUYS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
March 5, 2021: Pope Francis makes a historic visit to Iraq, becoming the first pontiff to travel to the country. His trip included stops in Baghdad, Najaf and Mosul, where he met with religious and political leaders and called for peace and reconciliation among Iraq’s diverse communities.
Pope Francis is welcomed by then-Iraqi President Barham Saleh at the presidential palace in Baghdad on March 5, 2021, on the first papal visit to Iraq.
Pope Francis is welcomed by then-Iraqi President Barham Saleh at the presidential palace in Baghdad on March 5, 2021, on the first papal visit to Iraq.
SABAH ARAR/AFP/GETTY
July 25, 2022: Pope Francis visits Canada on a historic trip centered on reconciliation with Indigenous communities. He apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system, which forcibly assimilated Indigenous children and caused lasting trauma. During the visit, he met with survivors, participated in ceremonies, and called for healing and justice. His apology, delivered in Edmonton, Alberta, was described as a significant step toward reconciliation, though some Indigenous leaders called for further concrete actions.
Pope Francis, who apologized to members of Canada’s indigenous population, is wheeled passed teepees at the site of the former Ermineskin Residential School during his visit on July 25, 2022, in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada.
Pope Francis, who apologized to members of Canada’s indigenous population, is wheeled passed teepees at the site of the former Ermineskin Residential School during his visit on July 25, 2022, in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada.
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November 22, 2023: Pope Francis meets with Palestinian families at the Vatican, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of peace, dialogue and justice, calling for an end to violence and suffering. The pope listened to personal testimonies from families affected by the ongoing conflict and reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to advocating for human rights and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
Pope Francis meets Palestinian families in Gaza on November 22, 2023, in Vatican City.
Pope Francis meets Palestinian families in Gaza on November 22, 2023, in Vatican City.
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October 11, 2024: Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. During their meeting, Pope Francis reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and peace negotiations while expressing deep concern for the suffering of civilians.
Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on October 11, 2024, in Vatican City.
Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on October 11, 2024, in Vatican City.
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Pope Francis’ Engagements With the U.S.
March 27, 2014: Pope Francis holds his first meeting with President Barack Obama at the Vatican. Their discussions centered on shared concerns, including poverty and international conflicts.
Then-President Barack Obama meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican on March 27, 2014.
Then-President Barack Obama meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican on March 27, 2014.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Photos
September 24, 2015: Pope Francis receives applause from then-Vice President Joe Biden and then-House Speaker John Boehner. Pope Francis was the first pontiff to address a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill.
Vice President Joe Biden, House Speaker John Boehner and others applaud Pope Francis as he arrives to address a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on September 24, 2015, making history as…
Vice President Joe Biden, House Speaker John Boehner and others applaud Pope Francis as he arrives to address a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on September 24, 2015, making history as the first pontiff to do so.
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May 24, 2017: Pope Francis receives President Donald Trump at the Vatican. The encounter included a private audience where they discussed topics such as peace, religious freedom and humanitarian issues.
Then-President Donald Trump stands with Pope Francis during a meeting at the Vatican on May 24, 2017.
Then-President Donald Trump stands with Pope Francis during a meeting at the Vatican on May 24, 2017.
Evan Vucci/AP Photos
October 29, 2021: President Joe Biden meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican. As the first Catholic president since John F. Kennedy, Biden engaged in a personal and wide-ranging discussion with the pontiff, covering matters like climate change, poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pope Francis meets with then-President Joe Biden during a private audience at the Vatican on October 29, 2021.
Pope Francis meets with then-President Joe Biden during a private audience at the Vatican on October 29, 2021.
Vatican Media/Spaziani./Ap Photos
Pope Francis’ End of Life
February 14, 2025: People from around the world pray for Pope Francis following his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital for a respiratory infection.
People pray for Pope Francis in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, on February 23, 2025, where he was hospitalized since February 14.
People pray for Pope Francis in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, on February 23, 2025, where he was hospitalized since February 14.
Andrew Medichini/Associated Press