Pope Francis died peacefully on April 21, 2025. He was 88 years old and had served as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. As a boy, he enjoyed sports like basketball and soccer. He also liked dancing the tango. He studied chemistry and was trained as a chemist before deciding he wanted to be a priest. He joined a group within the Catholic Church called the Jesuits. He became a priest in 1969.
Soon Bergoglio began to take on leadership roles within the Church. He became a bishop in 1992 and was named archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. In 2001 he was made a cardinal, one of the highest-ranking leaders in the Catholic Church. Then, in 2013 he was chosen to be the pope. He was the first pope from Latin America as well as the first Jesuit pope. He was also the first pope to take the name “Francis.” He chose this name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his love of animals and nature and for his dedication to the poor.
Although he was one of the most important leaders in the world, Pope Francis chose to live simply. Instead of moving to the papal palace, he lived in a small room in a guest house. He preferred a modest car to an expensive one and chose to walk or take a bus when he could. Instead of wearing rich, ornate robes, he often wore plain white ones.
As head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis worked hard to make the world a better place. He believed in helping the poor and improving the lives of migrants and refugees around the world. He called on world leaders to take climate change seriously. He promoted peace and called for an end to war.
Pope Francis visited many countries. He met with people of all religions and backgrounds. He listened to their stories, gave them hope, and reminded them they were loved. Even when he was sick or tired, Pope Francis smiled and spoke gently to everyone he met. He reminded people to care for the Earth, to forgive one another, and to choose peace.
What Do You Think? Some people call Pope Francis the “People’s Pope.” Why do you think that is?
Photo Credit: TK
