Pope Francis’ life journey took him from his humble beginnings in Buenos Aires to become the first-ever Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America.
During his 12-year papacy, Francis prominently championed the causes of migrants and the marginalized, pushing the Roman Catholic Church to rigorously address its own history of scandal.
A deeply religious young man, Pope Francis experienced a spiritual calling at the Basilica of St. Joseph in Buenos Aires at age 16, leading him to become a priest. He was ordained after 13 years of study.
Throughout his career, his influence controversially extended to leading the Jesuits in Argentina during the “dirty war” and dealing with accusations about his role during this period.
Francis’ surprising rise to auxiliary bishop, and later cardinal, in Buenos Aires was marked by his commitment to outreach to the poor.
In 2013, he made history as the first Latin American pope, focusing on climate change, poverty, and migration. His first papal trip was to Lampedusa, an Italian island that accommodates asylum seekers and migrants.
Over his papacy, Francis addressed various significant issues, including clerical sex abuse scandals, diplomacy between the U.S. and Cuba, the environment, and religious freedom, among other things.
Despite certain challenges and controversies, Francis is leaving behind a legacy of inclusion and activism in support of the less fortunate and the environment.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/04/26/world/pope-francis-funeral/heres-the-latest
