The pope is the head of the Catholic Church. The religious leader spreads his message around the world. For nearly 2,000 years, this role has passed from pope to pope. On March 13, 2013, a man named Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 266th pope. He served as Pope Francis for more than 12 years. Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88.
Pope Benedict XVI was the pope before Francis. He chose to step down in 2013. Church leaders voted to give the open position to Bergoglio. (He chose the name “Francis” after a saint who loved nature and cared for the poor.)
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Growing up, Bergoglio was interested in science. He went to school for chemistry. He then studied to become a priest. He held several different jobs in the Church. And he became the first pope from South America.
Pope Francis used his experience in science as a world leader. He published a long letter in 2015 about our environment. With the subtitle “On Care For Our Common Home,” it warned about and . Francis asked people to take “global action” to protect our planet.
Like all popes, Francis lived in Vatican City. However, he didn’t stay there. Pope Francis traveled to more than 60 countries to spread the message of his religion. He spoke to many millions of people. That included Catholics and followers of other religions.
For example, the pope went to Myanmar in 2017. Most people in the Asian nation follow the Buddhist religion. The pope’s visit shined a light on a group of Muslims called the Rohingya. The Rohingya in Myanmar have suffered from violence because of their faith. “Your tragedy is very hard,” said Francis. “We give you space in our hearts,” he added. Buddhists, Catholics, and Muslims heard his speech.
Pope Francis continued to travel in his old age. In 2024, he went to Jakarta, Indonesia. That city is home to the Istiqlal — a holy site for Muslims. The meeting included leaders from Indonesia’s official religions: Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Pope Francis held hands with Nasaruddin Umar — the Grand of the mosque.
Pope Francis explained why that meeting between faiths was important. “It challenges us to reach out to others,” he said. He also asked people to grow a heart “that views others as an avenue, not a barrier.”
Throughout his time as pope, Francis worked for world peace. He spoke about ending war and treating all people with respect. He welcomed people of different backgrounds. And he always encouraged friendship and understanding.
Francis was known for his kindness and humility. People will remember how he cared for others — especially those who are struggling. For example, he spent time with poor children in a Brazil favela in 2013. His words and actions inspired many people to be more compassionate.
Pope Francis’s message of love and hope will live on.
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
Updated April 21, 2025, 5:00 P.M. (ET)
