<h1><strong><em>Biography of Pop Francis</em></strong> </h1><p><br></p><p><strong>Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2013 until his passing on April 21, 2025. Here's a brief overview of his life and ministry:</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>*Early Life*</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>- Born to Italian immigrant parents, Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori</strong></p><p><strong>- Had four siblings: Oscar Adrián, Marta Regina, Alberto Horacio, and Elena Bergoglio (his only living sibling)</strong></p><p><strong>- Suffered from severe pneumonia at age 21, resulting in the removal of his right lung</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>*Education and Priesthood*</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>- Studied humanities in Santiago, Chile, and received a licentiate in philosophy in Buenos Aires</strong></p><p><strong>- Joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958</strong></p><p><strong>- Ordained as a priest on December 13, 1969</strong></p><p><strong>- Served as Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina and Uruguay</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>*Episcopal Career*</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>- Ordained auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires on June 27, 1992</strong></p><p><strong>- Became archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998</strong></p><p><strong>- Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>*Papacy*</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>- Elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013</strong></p><p><strong>- Chose the papal name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi</strong></p><p><strong>- Known for his humility, concern for the poor, and commitment to interreligious dialogue</strong></p><p><strong>- Implemented various reforms, including increased transparency and accountability within the Vatican</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>*Notable Works and Initiatives*</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>- Published several books, including "Lumen Fidei," "Evangelii Gaudium," and "Laudato Si'"</strong></p><p><strong>- Focused on social justice, environmental issues, and outreach to marginalized communities</strong></p><p><strong>- Criticized wars and conflicts, advocating for peaceful resolutions and diplomacy</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>*Legacy*</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>- Remembered for his compassion, empathy, and dedication to serving the global community</strong></p><p><strong>- Left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world, inspiring a new generation of leaders and faithful individuals .</strong></p>