Pope Francis (266º): Biography, Legacy & First Latin American Pope
Pontificate: 13 March 2013– 21 April 2025
Francis was the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 13 March 2013– 21 April 2025 during the contemporary Catholic Church. First pope born outside Europe since Gregory III(731–741) and the first from the Americas; first pope from Argentina, first from South America and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
Who Was Pope Francis?
This biography of Francis (266º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. Common search topics include First Pope from Argentina. During the contemporary Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J.. Born 17 December 1936 Buenos Aires, Argentina, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Francis leads (or led) the Church in the contemporary era, when over a billion Catholics look to Rome for unity while the papacy faces globalization, secularization, digital media, and rapid social change.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (13 March 2013– 21 April 2025) centered on governance during the contemporary Catholic Church. Argentine citizen of Italian descent. First pope from a religious institute since Gregory XVI(1831–1846); first Jesuit pope. First pope to use a new and non-composed papal name since Lando(913–914).
Papal Acts & Achievements
Francis left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. First pope to visit and celebrate Mass on the Arabian Peninsula. Facilitated the Cuban thaw(2015–2017). Nominations to the College of Cardinals resulted in a non-European majority. Convoked the Synod on Synodality(2022). Papal motto: Miserando atque eligendo ("By having mercy and by choosing").
Key Highlights
- 266th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 13 March 2013– 21 April 2025
- First pope born outside Europe since Gregory III(731–741) and the first from the Americas; first pope from Argentina, first from S
- First pope from a religious institute since Gregory XVI(1831–1846); first Jesuit pope.
- First pope to use a new and non-composed papal name since Lando(913–914).
- Issued the encyclical Laudato si'(2015), condemning global warming and irresponsible economic development.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Second-oldest verified pope in office after Leo XIII. Read against the contemporary Catholic Church, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying Francis helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the contemporary Catholic Church — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
Francis followed Pope Benedict XVI (265º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Leo XIV (267º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.