Contents
Pope Francis
Becoming the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope.
Laudato si’ · Amoris laetitia
- Born
- 17 December 1936
- Birthplace
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Died
- 21 April 2025
More people
Pope Francis
Pope Francis led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in 2025, emphasising poverty, migration and environmental responsibility.
Early life
Buenos Aires childhood
Grew up in a family with Italian roots.
Jesuit formation
Entered the Jesuits in 1958 and was ordained in 1969.
Career
- 1973–1979
Jesuit leadership
Led the order’s Argentine province.
- 1998–2013
Buenos Aires
Served as archbishop and became a cardinal.
- 2013–2025
Papacy
Led the Catholic Church after Benedict XVI’s resignation.
Writings & leadership
Laudato si’
Connected environmental damage with poverty and social responsibility.
Amoris laetitia
Addressed family life and pastoral care.
Fratelli tutti
Explored solidarity and social friendship.
Papacy & legacy
Public style
Became known for simpler papal accommodation and direct gestures of outreach.
Institutional challenges
Faced disputes over reform and the Church’s response to abuse.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han). CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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