Key Biographical Moments of Pope Francis' Life - Tribute to Pope Francis: Shepherd of Mercy and Witness to Hope

Pope Francis who was born with the name Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the 1st pope elected from the Americas and the first to take the name Francis. Pope Francis' papacy began on March 13, 2013. He held the position of pontiff for 12 years.

His motto: Miserando atque eligendo (“Lowly but chosen”) showed his humility. In a world that often feels fractured by conflict, injustice, and indifference, Pope Francis emerged as a tender yet bold voice—a shepherd who walked with his people, especially those on the margins.

From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on that unforgettable evening of March 13, 2013, the journey of Jorge Mario Bergoglio is not just the story of a man elevated to the papacy—it is the story of a soul deeply attuned to the wounds of the world.

A Heart Formed by Humility
It is said that Pope Francis never forgot the moment he felt called to the priesthood—while going to confession at the age of 17. That quiet encounter with mercy became the wellspring of his ministry. Throughout his life, he has emphasized that God’s mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel, and the Church must be its living witness.
As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he was often seen taking the bus, living in a modest apartment, and cooking his own meals. He told priests not to be "princes," but "shepherds living with the smell of the sheep." This grounded humanity, more than any grand gesture, has endeared him to millions.
Moments That Moved the World
Who can forget when he chose Lampedusa as his first trip as pope, to throw a wreath into the sea for migrants who had died trying to reach Europe? With that silent act, he confronted the “globalization of indifference.”
In 2016, he stunned the world by quietly washing the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees on Holy Thursday—his hands a symbol of healing, dignity, and inclusion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as St. Peter’s Square lay drenched in rain and empty of pilgrims, Pope Francis stood alone before the Eucharist, raising it high in a historic Urbi et Orbi blessing. In the midst of global fear, he whispered: “We are all in the same boat.” That moment became an icon of our shared vulnerability and hope.
A Pope of Firsts
He was the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis—a name chosen not for power, but for peace. In doing so, he signaled that his papacy would be marked not by status, but by service.
He dared to speak plainly to presidents and prisoners alike. He wept with survivors of abuse, embraced the disfigured, and kissed the feet of warring South Sudanese leaders in a plea for peace.

A Faith That Listens

Pope Francis listened. He listened to the cries of the poor, the questions of youth, the suffering of creation, the concerns of the marginalized, and the dreams of a Church yet to be fully realized. His call for synodality was not just structural—it was spiritual: “Let us walk together.”
His writings—Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, Amoris Laetitia—are not mere theological texts. They are love letters to the world, urging us to build a civilization of love, to rediscover wonder, and to care for our common home.

Pro-Life Defender of the Unborn, Sick, Dying, and Elderly

Pope Francis is the only pope to have ever taken part in a pro-life march as he did in 2013 in his pope mobile. Pope Francis consistently affirmed the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to defending the dignity of every human life, especially the most vulnerable. He said, “Every child who, rather than being born, is condemned unjustly to being aborted, bears the face of Jesus Christ, bears the face of the Lord, who even before he was born, and then just after birth, experienced the world’s rejection. And every elderly person…even if he is ill or at the end of his days, bears the face of Christ. They cannot be discarded, as the ‘culture of waste’ suggests!” – Speech to Catholic healthcare professionals and gynecologists Sept. 20, 2013
He strongly opposed both abortion and euthanasia, denouncing them as part of a “throwaway culture” that devalues life when it is weakest—whether in the womb, in sickness, or at the end of life. The Pope called for a culture of care and compassion, urging societies to support mothers in difficult pregnancies, provide palliative care for the suffering, and uphold the sanctity of life at every stage. He emphasized that every person, regardless of condition or age, is created in the image of God and deserves love, protection, and respect.

Legacy of a Loving Father

In the eyes of many, he is not just “Holy Father”—he is simply Papa Francesco. His gentleness does not dilute his courage; he challenges both the world and the Church to rediscover the face of Christ in every person.

He has reminded us that the Gospel is not a museum artifact, but a living fire. He calls the Church not to preserve ashes, but to ignite hearts.

And perhaps his greatest gift is that he never points to himself, but always to Jesus—the God of surprises, of mercy, of joy.

Thank You, Holy Father

For the way you lean in to listen.
For your tears that match the tears of others.
For your joy that radiates even when the world is weary.
For reminding us that love is the true power.
For choosing the name Francis—and living up to it.
Rest in Peace

Pope Francis: A Biography

Early Life and Priesthood

• 1936: Born to Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• 1958: Entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), beginning his religious formation.

• 1969: Ordained a priest on December 13.

• 1973: Appointed Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina at age 36.

• 1992: Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires by Pope John Paul II.

• 1998: Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

• 2001: Elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.

As Archbishop, Bergoglio was known for his humility, simple lifestyle, and concern for the poor. He rode public transportation and lived in a small apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace. 

Election as Pope

• March 13, 2013: Elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He became the first pope from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit order.

• Chose the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to the poor and the environment.

Key Themes and Papal Writings

Pope Francis’s pontificate has been marked by themes of mercy, care for creation, social justice, and a more inclusive and synodal Church.

Major Writings:

1. Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) – 2013

   • An apostolic exhortation encouraging a missionary Church and evangelization with joy.

2. Laudato Si' (Praise Be to You) – 2015

   • An encyclical on care for our common home, focusing on environmental stewardship and ecological justice.

3. Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) – 2016

   • A reflection on family life, love, and pastoral care after the Synods on the Family.

4. Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers) – 2020

   • An encyclical on fraternity and social friendship, addressing global solidarity and peace.

5. Christus Vivit – 2019

   • Apostolic exhortation addressed to young people after the Synod on Youth.

6. Desiderio Desideravi – 2022

   • On the liturgical formation of the people of God.

Major Apostolic Journeys

Pope Francis has made over 40 international trips, often choosing destinations with suffering or overlooked communities.

Key Visits:

• 2013 – World Youth Day, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: His first international trip as pope.

• 2014 – Holy Land (Jordan, Palestine, Israel): Promoting interfaith dialogue and peace.

• 2015 – United States: Addressed the U.S. Congress and the United Nations.

• 2016 – Armenia: Emphasized ecumenism with the Armenian Apostolic Church.

• 2019 – United Arab Emirates: Historic meeting with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, promoting Muslim-Christian dialogue; signed the Document on Human Fraternity.

• 2021 – Iraq: First-ever papal visit to Iraq, met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and visited war-torn communities.

• 2022 – Canada: Apologized for the Church’s role in residential schools, meeting with Indigenous peoples.

• 2023 – Lisbon, Portugal: For World Youth Day.

Major Encounters and Dialogues

• Ecumenism: Met with Patriarch Bartholomew I and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill.

• Interreligious Dialogue: Frequent meetings with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and other religious leaders.

• Migrants and Refugees: Visited Lampedusa in 2013 to mourn migrant deaths; frequently calls for humane migration policies.

• Climate Activists: Praised Greta Thunberg and met with global environmental leaders.

• LGBTQ+ Outreach: Emphasized pastoral care, famously saying: “If someone is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?” (2013)

Reforms and Synodality

• Curial Reform: Promulgated Praedicate Evangelium (2022), restructuring the Roman Curia to emphasize evangelization and service.

• Synod on Synodality (2021–2024): A global consultation of Catholics to discern the Church’s path forward with greater participation and listening.

• Financial Reform: Implemented transparency measures and reformed Vatican finances.

Health and Challenges

• 2013: Revealed he had part of a lung removed in youth due to illness.

• 2021: Underwent colon surgery.

• 2023–2024: Struggled with knee and respiratory issues, using a wheelchair for mobility.

Despite health challenges, Francis continued to prioritize outreach, simplicity, and reform.

Legacy and Vision

Pope Francis’s legacy centers on:

• A Church of the poor and for the poor

• Integral ecology and care for creation

• Synodality: walking together as a listening Church

• Global solidarity and fraternity

• Mercy as the heart of the Gospel

He shifted the tone of the papacy toward compassion, decentralization, and inclusivity while maintaining fidelity to doctrine with pastoral sensitivity.

Pope Francis died on April 21st, 2025, Easter Sunday, following a lengthy illness. May he rest in peace.