Pope Francis Early Life and Growth

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the oldest of five children born to Italian immigrants Mario José Bergoglio, an accountant, and Regina María Sívori. He was raised as a boy in the hectic neighborhood of Flores, where he was taught humility, work ethic, and strong faith.

As a youth, Bergoglio trained to be a chemical technician and was awarded his diploma. He worked for a short time in the food processing plant, showing his early aptitude for science and hands-on work. But his strong spiritual draw took him to the seminary. At the age of 21, he contracted pneumonia, which led to the removal of half of his right lung, a health battle he survived through courage and devotion.

Pope Francis Travel with the Society of Jesus

Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus novitiate, or the Jesuits, in 1958. His early years were on rigorous academic and spiritual training. He studied humanities in Santiago, Chile, and went on to get a philosophy degree from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel, Argentina. He taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe and at the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires between 1964 and 1966, reflecting his commitment to training and education.

Bergoglio completed his theological studies and was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969. He further trained as a Jesuit in Spain and made his final vows on April 22, 1973. In the same year, at the age of 36, he was appointed head of the Jesuits in Argentina, a position he held until 1979. Throughout this period, he emphasized intense spirituality, social justice, and serving the poor.

Pope Francis : Episcopal Leadership in Argentina

In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed Bergoglio as the Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. He chose “Miserando atque eligendo” as his motto, which means “By having mercy and by choosing.” This reflects his own humility and his divine call. In 1998, he was appointed as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was regarded as a prominent spiritual leader in Argentina.

As an Archbishop, Bergoglio was humble. Rather than reside in the archbishop’s palace, he resided in a modest apartment, prepared his own meals, and frequently used the public transport. He was highly active in assisting people. He frequently visited the slums of the city, advocating for the poor and the role of the Church in social justice. His leadership was not merely religious; when Argentina was economically in crisis during the early 2000s, he spoke out, advocating for economic reforms and assistance for the poor.

Pope Francis : Becoming a Cardinal in the Church

In 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated Bergoglio to the rank of Cardinal. Although with this new rank, he lived simply and remained close to the people. In the Vatican, he was respected for his theological insight, good administrative skills, and firm commitment to the values of the Second Vatican Council, which emphasized the Church’s interaction with the world of the time.

The Road to the Papacy

Pope Benedict XVI resigned in February 2013, a significant occurrence. This prompted a conclave to elect a new pope. On March 13, 2013, after five ballots, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He was named Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his pledge to humility, poverty, and peace. This was a landmark election because he was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a thousand years.

Papal Priorities and Reforms

Since the start of his papacy, Pope Francis demonstrated that he desired a more compassionate and open Church. He spoke of mercy, gentleness, and extending the hand to the marginalized in society. His encyclical, “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), called for greater focus on evangelization and a poor Church that serves the poor.

Commitment to Social Justice

Pope Francis has been very much a supporter of social justice. He speaks of issues such as economic disparities, destruction of the environment, and the plight of refugees. In his 2015 encyclical, “Laudato si'” (“Praise Be to You”), he emphasized that we must take care of the earth and demonstrated how all things in creation are interconnected. He has consistently called for world solidarity in combating climate change and has denounced unbridled capitalism for creating social inequalities.

Interfaith Dialogue and Global Outreach

Pope Francis realizes that dialogue between religions is needed in the current world. Pope Francis collaborated in 2019 with Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. And the two signed the Document on Human Fraternity. The document fosters peace and coexistence of individuals with other beliefs.

Internal Church Reforms

Pope Francis has begun far-reaching change inside the Church to make it more accountable and transparent. He has reformed the Roman Curia to more effectively serve the global Church and has begun firm action to address the issue of clerical sex abuse, emphasizing the call of justice and care for victims.

Pope Francis Health and Recent Issues

Throughout his life, Pope Francis has fought against health problems with strength. The removal of part of his lung as a young man did not slow him down in his active ministry. But in recent years, his health has required medical attention. In July 2021, he underwent surgery for diverticular disease, which led to a short hospital stay. Despite these challenges, he has remained committed to his papal duties, often insisting on the need for rest and self-care.

Pope Francis New Health Issues

At the age of 88 as of February 2025, Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital. After he developed a serious lung infection that is already displaying early signs of kidney complications. Even in his critical condition, according to reports, he remains alert, in good spirits, and continues to converse with his doctors and immediate staff. Most people within the global Catholic community have been praying fervently for his recovery, with numerous vigils and masses already conducted for his health.

Age and Personal Life

Pope Francis was born in 1936 and thus is 88 years old at the moment. He is an unassuming person who is very easy to talk to. He is a Jesuit, which means he made his vows of living simply, remaining celibate, and submitting to rules. Pope Francis never married. And he gave his whole life to God and to the Church as a result of his vows. Current News and International Impact The Vatican has recently released news regarding Pope Francis’s health,

stating that there are minor improvements but also acknowledging that his health is serious. There are many people worldwide who are expressing their support for him, indicating how much he is important to them. Various leaders from other countries and religions have express their good wishes, indicating how he unites people in a world that is divided.