The Life of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
Raised in a family of Italian immigrants, he studied chemistry before entering the seminary. Ordained a priest in 1969, appointed bishop in 1992 and archbishop in 1998, he prioritized evangelization, social justice, and pastoral outreach. As pope, Francis emphasized mercy, care for the marginalized and environmental stewardship. His papacy was marked by a call for a “poor Church for the poor,” interfaith dialogue and Vatican reform. His teachings focused on compassion, the dignity of every person, and the need for a missionary Church. On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, humility, and service.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey S. Grob on Pope Francis’ passing:
Our hearts are saddened by the passing of a man whose tremendous faith and vision shepherded the Church through many challenges over the course of the past 12 years. Although we now grieve, we take solace in the words of the Risen Christ who in [Monday’s] gospel encountered Mary Magdalene and the other Mary coming from the tomb and told them, “Do not be afraid.”
As people of faith, we turn to the One who is the Resurrection and the Life and ask him to receive Pope Francis into the halls of the heavenly banquet and to give him eternal rest.