Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a humble leader who made history as the first pope from Latin America and the Jesuit order. Before becoming pope, he worked as a chemical technician and then chose to serve the Church, becoming a priest in 1969 and later rising through the ranks to become the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. 

He became pope on March 13, 2013, and chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his dedication to the poor and humble lifestyle. Pope Francis was known for living in a modest apartment, using public transportation, and his focus on caring for the poor and promoting peace. It helped present himself as a man of the people. 

Among his major accomplishments, he issued important works like the encyclical Laudato si’ in 2015, which urged people to take care of the environment and address climate change. He promoted unity among Catholics and other faiths, worked for social justice, and made historic visits, such as the first papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula in 2019. He also confronted tough issues like sexual abuse within the Church, called for modern reforms, and supported marginalized groups while remaining committed to traditional Church teachings on topics like marriage.

In recent years, Pope Francis faced health challenges, including pneumonia, likely related to his old age, but continued to travel and inspire millions. He became more involved in foreign affairs by condemning Russia’s violence in the war against Ukraine, condemning Hamas, and calling for peace between them and Israel during the ongoing war, and continued to stand up for the rights of the LGBTQ community. He passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, following a stroke, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and a vision for a more inclusive and caring Church.