A guide to the life, faith, and legacy of the Church’s first Latin American pope
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church from March 13 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025. As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to become pope, he led with a pastoral heart and a prophetic voice — calling the world to mercy, simplicity, and missionary discipleship.
In this time of remembrance and gratitude, we’re here with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about his life, teachings, and impact on the Church and the world.
Who was Pope Francis?
- Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 17, 1936
- First Latin American pope, first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to take the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi
- Known for his humility and focus on the Gospel of mercy
- Authored influential documents like Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si’, and Fratelli Tutti
- Prioritized serving the marginalized, promoting synodality, and calling Catholics to live as missionary disciples
When did Pope Francis become pope?
- Elected on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
- Greeted the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s with a simple wave and a request: “Pray for me”
When did Pope Francis die, and what happened?
- Died in Rome on April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday) at the age of 88
- The Vatican reported the cause of death as complications from a stroke, followed by cardiocirculatory collapse
- In keeping with his wishes, he was buried in a modest casket at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a Marian shrine dear to his heart
Where was he from?
- Born and raised in Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents
- Grew up speaking Spanish and Italian, and was later fluent in Latin, German, French, and English
What was his background before becoming pope?
- Studied chemistry before entering seminary
- Joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958
- Served as provincial superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, then became archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998
- Created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001
What was Pope Francis known for?
- Radical simplicity: lived in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace
- Advocacy for the poor and vulnerable, especially migrants and refugees
- Environmental leadership: his encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015) was a rallying cry for ecological conversion
- A global messenger of mercy, inviting people back to the sacrament of Confession
- Creating unity between cultures, religions, and political divides
- Strong promoter of a “synodal” Church — listening, walking together, and discernment.
- Known for traveling by bus, cooking his own meals, and living in a small apartment instead of the episcopal residence
What encyclicals and major writings did he author?
- Evangelii Gaudium (2013) – The Joy of the Gospel; a roadmap for evangelization
- Laudato Si’ (2015) – On Care for Our Common Home; groundbreaking on climate justice
- Fratelli Tutti (2020) – On Fraternity and Social Friendship; calling for a culture of encounter
- Also published Christus Vivit (2019), addressed to youth, and Amoris Laetitia (2016) on the family
What was his spirituality like?
- Deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality: discernment, examen, and seeking God in all things
- Strong devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots and Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Often visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore before and after papal trips
- Spoke often of hope, joy, and tenderness, even amid suffering
Did Pope Francis travel a lot?
Yes — he was one of the most globally engaged popes in history. Highlights include:
- United States (2015) – spoke before Congress and the United Nations
- Iraq (2021) – historic meeting with Ayatollah al-Sistani, the spiritual leader of Iraqi Shiites.
- Chile, Colombia, South Korea, the Philippines, and many African nations
- Promoted peace, interreligious dialogue, and solidarity everywhere he went
Pope Francis – What Happens Now? Find out what’s next for the Church while we wait for a new pope.
Did he use social media?
Yes! He embraced digital platforms to communicate directly:
- Twitter/X: @Pontifex – multilingual spiritual messages
- Instagram: @franciscus – photos and reflections
What was his approach to the poor, refugees, and migrants?
- Called for a “culture of encounter” and solidarity
- Often visited refugee camps and washed the feet of prisoners, migrants, and women on Holy Thursday
- Strongly condemned indifference: “It’s not just about migrants. It’s about humanity.”
- Worked to shift Catholic social teaching into the global spotlight
What was his message to young people?
- Encouraged youth to be missionaries of joy
- Urged them not to be “couch potatoes” but to live boldly for Christ
- Emphasized vocation, discernment, and the power of youth in renewing the Church
What was his relationship with older generations?
- Deep respect for the elderly and their wisdom
- Spoke often of his “spiritual grandfatherhood” as pope
- Believed the Church is strongest when the young dream and the old remember
Who was pope before Francis?
- Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 and died in 2022
- Pope Francis always spoke warmly and reverently of his predecessor
What will Pope Francis be remembered for?
- Mercy as the beating heart of the Gospel
- A Church that goes out to the margins, living missionary discipleship in all parts of life
- Promoting justice with boldness
- Promoting synodality, accompaniment, and missionary discipleship
- A genuine pastor who made people feel seen, heard, and loved
Pope Francis once said, “The name of God is mercy.” His papacy was a living testament to that truth. As Catholics around the world give thanks for his life and pray for the future of the Church, we remember a shepherd who walked with his flock — and pointed us to Christ.
Let us at FOCUS and the Church as a whole carry forward his dream of a “missionary option” that transforms everything for the “evangelization of today’s world.” And let us carry it forward with joy, courage, and mercy.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Additional Resources
Check out the statement by our founder, Curtis Martin, on the passing of Pope Francis.
Learn more from FOCUS about Pope Francis and his legacy from these blog posts and resources:Pope Francis Appoints FOCUS Founder Curtis Martin as Adviser on New Evangelization, The Moment When God Called a Teenaged Pope Francis to be a Priest, 10 Things Pope Francis Wants You to Know about Evangelization, Pope Francis’ Top 7 Quotes on the Family.
We have a ton more on FOCUS Equip, so head there now.
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