A life remembered
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Latin American, first Jesuit, and first non-European pontiff in over a millennium. Elected on March 13, 2013, he led the Catholic Church for 12 years, emphasizing humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He chose to reside in the modest Domus Sanctae Marthae rather than the traditional papal apartments, reflecting his commitment to simplicity .
His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Church, address clerical sexual abuse, and engage in interfaith dialogue. He advocated for marginalized communities, environmental stewardship, and economic equity. Despite facing criticism from conservative factions, he remained steadfast in his mission to make the Church a more compassionate and accessible institution.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, after a prolonged hospitalization due to respiratory complications
