The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Religious Leader›Pope Francis
Politics & World • Religious Leader

Pope Francis

Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 13 March 2013 until his death in 2025.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 13 March 2013 until his death in 2025. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was known for his emphasis on humility, social justice, migrants, and environmental concerns.

Early life and background

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936. Sources identify him as the son of Italian immigrants and note his Argentine nationality.

Papacy

He was elected pope on 13 March 2013 and became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy lasted until his death in April 2025.

Public views and priorities

Francis was known for teachings and public statements on the poor, migrants, climate and ecology, vaccination during COVID-19, and dialogue with people of different backgrounds and faiths.

Historical significance

He was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first pope born outside Europe in more than a millennium.

Key facts

  • Pope Francis was elected pope on 13 March 2013 and served until his death in 2025.
  • His real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
  • He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was the first pope from the Americas.
  • He was the first Jesuit pope.
  • He was widely associated with concern for the poor, migrants, dialogue, and environmental issues.
🍁
Canadian context

Canadian Catholic readers may know Pope Francis for his global leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, including statements on social justice, migration, climate, and church reform that were widely reported in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis died at age 88 on 21 April 2025; he was born on 17 December 1936.
Where is Pope Francis from?
He was from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What is Pope Francis' real name?
His birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
How long has Pope Francis been pope?
He served as pope from 13 March 2013 until his death on 21 April 2025, a little over 12 years.
What are Pope Francis' views on?
He was publicly associated with concern for the poor, migrants, environmental protection, dialogue across faiths, and vaccination during COVID-19.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis
    Supports: Birth name, birth/death dates, papacy dates, and historical firsts.
  2. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — https://www.usccb.org/popes/pope-francis
    Supports: Election date, first pope from the Americas, and name choice.
  3. National Archives and Records Administration — https://www.archives.gov/news/articles/pope-francis-memoriam
    Supports: Death date, age at death, birthplace, and papacy start date.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francis-I-pope
    Supports: Biography, birthplace, election in 2013, and significance as first pope from the Western Hemisphere and Jesuit order.
  5. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/1013050313/pope-francis-dead
    Supports: Public priorities including migrants, LGBTQ-related remarks, and social concerns.
  6. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/religious-figures/pope-francis
    Supports: Papacy duration, advocacy themes, and death penalty and LGBTQ-related positions.