Introduction Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in 2025. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and a desire to bring the Church closer to the marginalized. As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, Francis brought a unique perspective to the papacy, emphasizing mercy, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. Early Life and Formation Childhood and Education Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrants Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori. He was the eldest of five children. His father worked as a railway accountant, and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up in the Flores neighborhood, Bergoglio developed a strong sense of community and faith. After completing his secondary education, he earned a diploma as a chemical technician. However, his spiritual calling led ...