Pope Francis

1936 – 2025

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 2013 until his death in 2025. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American pope, and the first pope born or raised outside Europe in more than twelve centuries. His pontificate emphasized ministry to the poor and marginalized, climate action through the encyclical Laudato si' (2015), and a more pastoral tone toward LGBTQ Catholics, divorced Catholics, and refugees, while opening Vatican governance reforms that included the formal inclusion of women in senior decision-making roles.

Last checked: May 10, 2026, 1:06 PM