Pope Francis: A Look At The Life Of The First Jesuit Pope
Was Pope Francis a revolutionary leader who reshaped the papacy, or a figure whose legacy remains contested? His papacy, marked by both unprecedented reforms and staunch traditionalist opposition, presents a complex tapestry of faith, politics, and social change that continues to reverberate across the globe.
The death of Pope Francis, which occurred on Monday at the age of 88, marked the end of an era. He was a pontiff of many firsts: the first Jesuit to become pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis. His tenure, spanning twelve years, was a period of significant transformation and, at times, considerable controversy within the Roman Catholic Church. Kielce Gussie gave the first reading at the funeral mass held for Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, April 26, following his death on April 21. The streets of Rome swelled with approximately 250,000 mourners who gathered to bid farewell to a man widely known as "the people's pope."
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2025, Vatican City |
| Nationality | Argentine, Vatican City (Holy See) |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal (2001-2013) |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on the poor and marginalized, environmental advocacy (Laudato Si'), reform of the Vatican Curia |
| Notable Actions | First pope to choose the name Francis, first pope from the Americas, first Jesuit pope, first pope to live outside papal apartments since Pope Pius X |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis's life was one of dedicated service before his elevation to the papacy. Inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 following recovery from a severe illness, he embraced the order's core tenets, particularly the Jesuit proclivity to "find God in all things." This philosophy profoundly shaped his papacy, informing his approach to both theological and social issues. His insistence on encountering God in the modern world, his belief in the Church's vital role in society, even in politics, and his encyclical "Laudato Si" (2015) on environmental care, all exemplified this foundational principle. He was the first pope since Pope Pius X to live outside the papal apartments.
His election in 2013 was a watershed moment. He took the name Francis in honor of Francis of Assisi, the saint renowned for his devotion to the poor. This choice was not merely symbolic; it signaled a clear commitment to a "church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets," reflecting a desire to prioritize those on the margins. The road to his election was paved by Pope Benedict XVI's unprecedented decision to resign, the first such event in six centuries. This event created the then-unprecedented reality of two popes living in the Vatican. Francis's election was a surprise, particularly to his fellow Jesuits, as members of the order typically do not seek positions of such prominence.
As the 266th bishop of Rome, Pope Francis became the first from the Americas and the first from the Jesuit order. He became the first Latin American pontiff to charm the world with his humble style and concern for the poor. The election was followed by an interview with CBS Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell from the Vatican. Upon his election, he became the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, the 266th pope in the history of the Catholic Church, and the 265th successor of St. Peter. The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of the pope in more than a month, showing Pope Francis wearing purple Lenten liturgical vestments sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar.
Francis's pontificate was characterized by a profound emphasis on social justice. He dedicated his life and ministry to the poor, the peripheral, and the forgotten. His first journey as pope, to Lampedusa, an island that symbolizes the tragedy of emigration, underscored his commitment to migrants and refugees. His subsequent travels and pronouncements consistently championed the marginalized and challenged the status quo. He also met with the College of Cardinals.
However, his papacy was not without its critics. He faced opposition from conservative factions within the Church who took issue with his critiques of capitalism and climate change, among other reforms and pronouncements. His final version of Benedict's draft encyclical was published as his first. But he alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change. The election came as a surprise to fellow jesuits, as members of the order tend not to.
Pope Francis's legacy is multifaceted and complex. His papacy undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the Roman Catholic Church and the world. His actions and words have sparked important conversations about faith, social justice, and the role of the Church in the 21st century. He leaves behind a Church grappling with his reforms, his vision, and the enduring questions he raised. Francis has also left his mark on the history of the Society of Jesus, whose members tend not to seek such positions of authority. His ministry served to challenge the faithful to discern what God is calling them to do, rather than merely following rules.
His tenure also reflects on his journey to his position and his background. Born in Buenos Aires to a family of Italian origin, Bergoglio became the first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit. He had taken office following the unexpected resignation of Benedict XVI. As a Jesuit Pope, Francis made clear that a fundamental task of the faithful is not so much to follow rules but to discern what God is calling them to do.
He was also the first pope to live outside the papal apartments and often appeared at the window of the apostolic palace for the Sunday Angelus. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were also present at his funeral, as well as many other leaders. Joe Laramie, SJ, greeted Pope Francis in January. More than 200,000 people gathered in St. Peters Square on April 26th. Francis of Assisi is revered among Catholics for his work with the poor. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, was first elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Latin American pope. His election came as a surprise to fellow jesuits, as members of the order tend not to.
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