Full Name of Pope Francis: Wiki, Age, Bio, Life, Death & Legacy

Mariam SulaimonApril 21, 2025

0 9 minutes read

The full name of Pope Francis is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Born on December 17, 1936, in San Miguel, Argentina, he is the first Jesuit pope in history.

As the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has become a globally recognized religious figure, known for his humility, progressive views, and emphasis on service, social justice, and the consecrated life.

Full Name of Pope Francis

The full name of Pope Francis is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he chose the name Francis upon his election as pope in 2013, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, symbolizing humility, service to the poor, and care for creation.

As the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European in over a millennium, Pope Francis, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis Biography

Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; December 17, 1936 – April 21, 2025) served as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013, until his death in 2025. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope born or raised outside of Europe since Pope Gregory III, a Syrian, in the 8th century.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio felt a calling to the priesthood after recovering from a serious illness and joined the Society of Jesus in 1958. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969 and served as the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina from 1973 to 1979. In 1998, he was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and in 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of cardinal.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on March 13. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his values of humility, service, and care for the marginalized. Throughout his papacy, Francis was admired for his modest demeanor, deep commitment to God’s mercy, advocacy for the poor, and efforts to promote interfaith dialogue. Notably, he broke with tradition by choosing to live at the Domus Sanctae Marthae (House of St. Martha) rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace.

Under his leadership, Francis ushered in significant reforms. He made history by appointing women as full members of dicasteries within the Roman Curia, a major step toward inclusivity. He emphasized compassion toward the LGBTQ community, stating that individuals could be blessed outside of liturgical contexts, even though the Church does not permit blessings of same-sex unions.

Francis was a vocal critic of unregulated capitalism, consumerism, and environmental degradation. Addressing climate change became a central mission of his papacy. He also denounced the death penalty as inherently wrong and declared the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to its global abolition.

On the international stage, Pope Francis played a key role in rebuilding U.S.–Cuba diplomatic relations, brokered a controversial agreement with China regarding the appointment of bishops, and advocated passionately for refugee rights, calling the protection of migrants a “duty of civilization.” He openly criticized the rise of right-wing populism, including the anti-immigration policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. In 2022, he issued a historic apology for the Church’s role in the “cultural genocide” of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

One of the defining achievements of his papacy was the Synod on Synodality, seen as a capstone to his tenure and the most transformative Church event since the Second Vatican Council.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 in the early hours of April 21, 2025—Easter Monday. In the weeks preceding his death, he had battled a chronic lung condition, experiencing a respiratory crisis and pneumonia. He made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, just one day before his passing.

Early Years

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known to the world as Pope Francis, was born on December 17, 1936, in Flores, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the eldest of five children born to Mario José Bergoglio, an Italian immigrant and accountant, and Regina María Sívori, a homemaker of northern Italian descent. The Bergoglio family emigrated from Italy in 1929, fleeing the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, according to the Pope’s sister, María Elena Bergoglio, who confirmed it was not due to economic hardship.

Jorge’s siblings included Oscar Adrián, Marta Regina, and Alberto Horacio. One of his nieces, Cristina Bergoglio, later became a well-known painter based in Madrid, Spain.

Bergoglio’s education began at the Salesian College Wilfrid Barón de los Santos Ángeles in Ramos Mejía, operated by the Salesians of Don Bosco. He later enrolled at Escuela Técnica Industrial Nº 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen, a technical secondary school, from which he graduated with a diploma as a chemical technician.

Before entering the priesthood, Bergoglio led a humble working life. He worked as a chemical technician in the food laboratory division at Hickethier-Bachmann Laboratory, under the supervision of Esther Ballestrino. He also held part-time jobs as a bouncer and janitor, experiences that would later ground his commitment to humility and service in the Catholic Church.

At the age of 21, Bergoglio suffered a serious bout of pneumonia, complicated by three cysts, which led to the surgical removal of part of one lung—a condition he lived with throughout his life, even during his years as the Supreme Pontiff.

Papacy: From Cardinal Bergoglio to Supreme Pontiff

Pope Francis was elected Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. His election marked a historic shift, not only because he was the first Latin American pontiff, but also because he chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis, known for his vow of poverty and love for all creation.

He resides at Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse within Vatican City, rather than the Apostolic Palace, reflecting his modest lifestyle. As the Bishop of Rome and head of the Holy See, he presides over the Vatican City State, the spiritual and administrative center of the global universal church.

Leadership Style and Global Influence

Pope Francis has made significant contributions through his apostolic journeys to all corners of the globe, emphasizing interfaith dialogue, climate change, and refugee support. He has issued several apostolic letters, including Evangelii Gaudium and Laudato si’, advocating for ecological sustainability and economic equity.

He continues the legacy of his predecessors, including Pope John Paul II, John Paul, St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict, and Pope John XXIII, while carving his own path through reform efforts within the Roman Curia and outreach to Catholic bishops worldwide.

The Vatican, Symbolism, and Sacred Sites

From delivering homilies in St. Peter’s Basilica to addressing the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope remains a central figure in Catholic worship and global affairs. During jubilees, he opens the Holy Door of the basilica, symbolizing a path to salvation. He participates in significant events such as conclaves held in the Sistine Chapel and rituals overseen by the Vatican Camerlengo.

Pope Francis has worked closely with influential church figures like Cardinal Kevin Farrell (also spelled Cardinal Kevin Ferrell) and engaged with world leaders including Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, emphasizing diplomacy and the role of the church in international affairs.

Teachings, Theology, and the Legacy of Francis

Deeply influenced by Saint Francis, the Pope emphasizes care for the environment, humility, and peacemaking. His speeches consistently emphasise the role of priests, the power of faith, and the importance of compassion in the face of contemporary challenges.

While he honors traditional teachings, he also advocates for reform and inclusion, especially in matters of migration, social justice, and the role of women in the Church. Through initiatives led from Santa Marta, he has redefined how the Pope connects with the faithful and the broader world.

Media

By 2015, two biographical films about Pope Francis had been released: Call Me Francesco (Italy, 2015), starring Rodrigo de la Serna, and Francis: Pray for Me (Argentina, 2015), featuring Darío Grandinetti. That same year, a music album titled Wake Up! was released on 27 November, combining the pope’s speeches with musical compositions.

A number of documentaries have also highlighted the life and message of Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (2018), directed by Wim Wenders, offered an intimate portrayal of the Supreme Pontiff. On 21 October 2020, Francesco, a documentary by Evgeny Afineevsky, premiered, further exploring the pope’s global influence. Another notable work, The Letter: A Message for our Earth, premiered on YouTube Originals on 4 October 2022. Directed by Nicolas Brown, it was produced by Off The Fence in collaboration with the Laudato Si’ Movement, focusing on climate change and the environment.

In popular film, Francis was portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in the 2019 biographical drama The Two Popes.

Full Name of Pope Francis

Health

Pope Francis, elected at 76 years old, was initially reported to be in good health. His doctors noted that the lung tissue removed in his youth did not significantly affect his health, although he had a reduced respiratory reserve, which could be a concern in case of respiratory infections. Despite suffering from chronic lung damage due to the lung excision, Francis was prone to respiratory issues such as influenza and bronchitis, particularly during the winter months. He also dealt with knee problems and sciatica, leading to frequent use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane.

In 2021, health concerns sparked rumors about his potential resignation, but Francis dismissed them, affirming that he would step down only if his health made it impossible for him to perform his duties. After undergoing knee treatment in June 2022, he canceled planned trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. He clarified in an interview that resignation was “not on his agenda” but acknowledged that he would resign if health issues prevented him from running the Church.

In March 2023, Francis was hospitalized in Rome for a respiratory infection, but he returned to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass in April. He also underwent abdominal surgery in June 2023 for a hernia. By 2022, Francis began using a wheelchair publicly due to persistent knee pain, which was later treated with an operation. He referred to his mobility problems as marking “a new, slower phase” in his papacy, and his visibility in using a wheelchair earned praise from disabled Catholics.

On 14 February 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized for bronchitis. His condition worsened due to a polymicrobial infection and bilateral pneumonia, which led to critical health issues. He required blood transfusions and high-flow oxygen. By 23 February, doctors reported early-stage kidney failure, although his condition was “under control.” Despite slight improvement on 26 February, Francis suffered a bronchial spasm and required non-invasive mechanical ventilation. His prognosis remained guarded.

By 3 March 2025, reports indicated that Francis had been removed from mechanical ventilation and was recovering. However, after a third downturn in his health, mechanical ventilation was resumed. On 19 March 2025, it was announced that he was no longer using mechanical ventilation at night, and his lung infection was considered under control, though not yet eliminated. Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital on 23 March 2025, and he spent at least two months recuperating at his residence in Domus Sanctae Marthae. He appeared publicly for the first time since his hospitalization on 6 April 2025.

Death

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at 07:35 CEST (UTC+02:00) in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae. Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the news of his death through the Vatican’s TV channel and a video statement. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death have not been officially disclosed, unofficial reports from Italy suggest it may have been caused by a brain-related issue, possibly a stroke.

The death of Pope Francis marks the beginning of a papal interregnum, triggering a period of mourning known as the novemdiales, which is Latin for ‘nine days’. This period is typically observed with solemn remembrance and reflection. Following tradition, his funeral is expected to take place within four to six days of his passing, with Pope Francis likely to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in accordance with his wishes.

In preparation for the future of the Roman Catholic Church, cardinal-electors will gather in Rome for the general congregation of cardinals. This gathering will set the date and time for the upcoming papal conclave, during which a new pope will be chosen.

Conclusion on the Full Name of Pope Francis

The full name of Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is now synonymous with a new era in the Catholic Church. As the first Jesuit pope, first Latin American pontiff, and a humble servant of the Roman Catholic Church, he continues to embody the spirit of St. Francis and St. Peter. His leadership from Vatican City reminds the world of the enduring power of faith, compassion, and service in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Whether through his apostolic letters, his reforms within the Roman Curia, or his symbolic presence at the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis remains a vital voice in a rapidly changing world, guiding the universal church with grace, wisdom, and unwavering commitment.

Mariam SulaimonApril 21, 2025

0 9 minutes read