Pope Francis: A Brief Overview

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis is the son of Italian immigrants. Initially a chemical technician, he chose the priesthood and became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, focusing on aiding the poor and sick. He was made cardinal in 2001 and elected pope in 2013, becoming the first Jesuit, South American, and Western Hemisphere pope.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has championed climate action, refugee rights, and interfaith dialogue. Notable efforts include issuing Laudato si’ on environmental care, bringing Syrian refugees to Rome in 2016, and signing the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity in the UAE. His visits and initiatives continue to promote peace and unity worldwide.