By Rosemary Okoduwa
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a remarkable figure who dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church and humanity. Here’s a detailed story about his life and times:
Pope Francis grew up in a devout Catholic family, the eldest of five children to Italian immigrant parents, Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori. His early life was marked by strong faith and a desire to serve others. After completing his secondary education, Bergoglio joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958, driven by a spiritual calling.
Bergoglio was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and went on to serve as a professor of theology, master of novices, and provincial superior of the Jesuits in Argentina. In 1992, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires and later became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. As archbishop, he was known for his humility, simplicity, and commitment to serving the poor.
On March 13, 2013, Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the papal name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. As pope, he chose to live in a modest residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, rather than the traditional papal palace.
During his papacy, Pope Francis implemented several significant reforms and initiatives, including: Synod on Synodality-A major event in the Catholic Church, aimed at promoting greater collaboration and inclusivity, Environmental Advocacy- Pope Francis made action on climate change a key focus of his papacy, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and care for creation, Social Justice- He advocated for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable, criticizing unbridled capitalism and consumerism, Interfaith Dialogue- Pope Francis promoted greater understanding and cooperation between different faith communities, Women’s Roles- He appointed women to key positions in the Roman Curia, recognizing their importance in the Church’s mission.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, on Easter Monday, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and dedication to serving others. His leadership and vision continue to inspire millions worldwide, and his impact on the Catholic Church and global community will be felt for generations to come.