A Visual Journey Through the Life of Pope Francis: Captivating Moments and Milestones
Before he became Pope Francis in 2013, he was known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in 1936 in Buenos Aires. In his early years, he held various jobs including a janitor and a bouncer, and even trained to work in a food science laboratory. However, after facing several health challenges, the young Argentine felt a calling to join the Society of Jesuits, a decision that surprised both him and his family.
During his time as a priest, Bergoglio dedicated himself to serving in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, working to rehabilitate communities and combat human trafficking. In 2015, Lucas Schaerer shared his experience of collaborating with the religious leader on the streets of Argentina, recalling, “I remember he told me: ‘The Church should be like a battlefield hospital – ready to take in those that have been injured by life’s tragedies and sins.”
As Pope, Francis took bold positions on various political and social issues. He became known for his strong endorsement of same-sex marriage, advocating for environmental protection, and promoting vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the last few years of his papacy, Pope Francis faced declining health, culminating in a significant hospitalization for double pneumonia just months before his passing on April 21, 2025, which fell on Easter Monday.
From his beginnings to his final days in the Vatican, the life and journey of Pope Francis is truly remarkable.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s Early Years
Bergoglio was born in December 1936 to Italian immigrant parents in Buenos Aires. During high school, he pursued studies to become a chemical technician and briefly worked in the food processing sector. After suffering from a severe case of pneumonia which led to the loss of some lung capacity, he decided to join the Jesuits in 1958, marking the beginning of his journey as a religious leader.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s Seminarian Years
During his time in seminary, Jorge Mario Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires, as depicted in a photograph from 1966.
Jose Mario Bergoglio’s Family
Bergoglio was one of four children. In an undated family photo, he can be seen in the top row, second from the left, shortly after his ordination as a Catholic priest in 1969.
Rising in the Church Ranks
Following his ordination as a priest, Bergoglio served as the Jesuit provincial superior from 1973 to 1979. A photograph from the mid-1970s captures him while leading communion.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio Becomes Archbishop of Buenos Aires
In the 1980s, Bergoglio worked as a seminary teacher and held the position of Rector.
before departing to Germany to complete his doctoral thesis in 1986. He returned to his hometown at the request of Cardinal Antonio Quarracino, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and was appointed the titular bishop of Auca, serving as Auxiliary Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1992.
He advanced to the role of coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1997 and was ultimately appointed as archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
A Fearless Ally
Friends described him as a fearless “street priest” and a steadfast advocate for the underprivileged. Lucas Schaerer, who collaborated with him, noted, “He would personally help, console, and bless the people we rescued together—such as drug addicts, prostitutes, and human slaves kept in clothing factories.” Schaerer and his colleague, Gustavo Vera, who worked with a non-governmental organization addressing human trafficking, drug smuggling, and corruption, first met Francis in 2008 when he served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio Becomes a Cardinal
In 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed Bergoglio as a cardinal. The moment captured shows him kissing the hand of the pope during a consistory in St. Peter’s Square on February 21, 2001, in Vatican City.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio is Elected Pope
On March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis. This appointment marked him as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first pope originating outside of Europe since Pope Gregory III in the 8th century.
Pope Francis Is Named Person of the Year
In the same year, a major magazine honored the Argentine native as their Person of the Year, highlighting, “the septuagenarian superstar is poised to transform a place that measures change by the century. … He took the name of a humble saint and then called for a church of healing.”
Pope Francis Visits the White House
In 2015, Pope Francis visited the White House, greeting onlookers alongside the Obamas. During this trip, he also prayed at the World Trade Center Memorial, standing by one of the memorial’s reflecting pools.
Pope Francis’ Progressive Stances
Known for his progressive views, Pope Francis took several unexpected actions during his tenure.
He joined Instagram in March 2016 and, in 2021, granted formal permission for women to serve as lectors, read Scripture, and assist in administering communion within the church. He also spoke out against anti-LGBTQ laws worldwide in 2023.
As a strong advocate for action against climate change, he supported vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, in 2020, he appointed Archbishop Wilton Gregory as a cardinal, making him the first African American cardinal in the United States.
Pope Francis Presides Over the Funeral of Pope Benedict XVI
In January 2023, Pope Francis presided over the funeral of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who passed away on December 31, 2022.
“Like the women at the tomb, we too have come with the fragrance of gratitude and the balm of hope, to show him once more the love that is undying,” he comforted the mourning crowd.
“We wish to do this with the wisdom, tenderness, and devotion he offered us over the years. Together, we say: ‘Father, into your hands we commend his spirit.’ “
Pope Francis Gets Sick
On February 14, 2025, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope had been hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome due to bronchitis.
“This morning, after his audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for his ongoing bronchitis,” the statement noted, adding that he had been suffering from bronchitis for several days, as he had mentioned during his public audiences.
Prior to his hospitalization, concerns arose about his health after he appeared at St. Peter’s Basilica for a ceremony to install 21 new cardinals, showing a noticeable bruise on his chin in December 2024. The Vatican later explained that the injury was minor and resulted from hitting his chin on his bedside table.
In January 2025, he sustained another injury. “Due to a fall at Santa Marta, Pope Francis sustained a bruise on his right forearm, with no fractures,” announced the Holy See Press Office, as reported by various news outlets.
The office also reported that his arm was immobilized as a precaution.
Pope Francis Dies
The Pope was discharged from the hospital on March 23 but remained in poor health despite returning to work. The day before his death, he met with the U.S. Vice President and gave his annual public address for Easter. He passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
In a statement, the Vatican commemorated the late Pope, with Cardinal Ferrell saying, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Leave a Comment
