Pope Francis Dies at 88: The First American Pope’s Legacy and the Church’s Future [Updated 2025]

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has died at 88. As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, his papacy broke centuries of tradition and marked a major shift for over a billion Catholics worldwide.

His leadership championed humility, social justice, and a commitment to the poor. The world remembers his outspoken advocacy for those on the margins and his efforts to bring a more compassionate approach to the Church’s mission.

Francis’s death signals a turning point—not just for the Vatican, but for Latin America and every community shaped by his leadership. The global response reflects the impact of a pope whose roots and convictions reached far beyond Rome, leaving a mark on both the Church and the broader world.

Early Life and Path to the Papacy

Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s journey from the streets of Buenos Aires to the Vatican marked a profound shift in the Catholic Church’s story. His childhood in Argentina, discipline shaped by Jesuit training, and steady rise through church ranks made his 2013 election remarkable. The story of Pope Francis begins in a simple setting and unfolds with moments that shaped his character and mission.

Photo by Gabi Orrico

Humble Beginnings in Buenos Aires

Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires. His parents, Mario and Regina, were Italian immigrants who valued hard work and faith. As the eldest of five children, Jorge learned early about responsibility and compassion. These early lessons stayed with him his whole life. He spent his youth surrounded by family, soccer matches, and the pulse of mid-century Buenos Aires.

After high school, he studied to become a chemical technician but soon felt a deeper calling. He made a life-changing decision to enter the seminary, inspired by his faith and family values. The blend of neighborhood roots and immigrant experience gave him a grounded outlook that influenced his leadership style as Pope.

For more on Pope Francis’s childhood, see his official biography.

The Jesuit Path and Commitment to Service

Bergoglio joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958. The Jesuit order is known for discipline, education, and service. Here he found direction—and challenge. He completed rigorous philosophical and theological studies while teaching literature and psychology. His students recalled his kindness and steady approach. Colleagues saw early signs of his gift for guiding others.

He took his final vows as a Jesuit in 1973 and was soon appointed Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina. The country faced political turmoil and violence during these years. Bergoglio urged his fellow priests to support the poor and stay close to the communities they served. These experiences shaped his deep concern for social justice—visible in his future work as Pope.

More about his Jesuit formation and priorities can be found on Britannica’s biography of Pope Francis.

Rising Through Church Leadership

Soon after ordination, Bergoglio advanced through key roles:

• Provincial Superior of Jesuits in Argentina (1973–1979)
• Rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel
• Bishop, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires by 1998

He became known for humility—riding public buses, living in a simple apartment, and cooking his own meals. His focus on social outcasts drew respect in Argentina and abroad. By 2001, he was appointed Cardinal by Pope John Paul II, making him a leading voice in Latin American Catholicism.

Election as the First Pope from the Americas

In March 2013, following the resignation of Benedict XVI, the papal conclave elected Bergoglio as Pope. He took the name Francis, honoring Saint Francis of Assisi—a symbol of humility and care for the poor. The announcement stunned many, as he became the first Jesuit and the first non-European in centuries to head the Catholic Church.

His election was more than symbolic. It signaled a shift in Catholic focus toward the global South, and a renewed commitment to the vision of service over ceremony. His path from Buenos Aires to Rome changed the story of the modern papacy, leading over a billion Catholics into a new era.

For more details on his papal election and the steps leading up to it, see his dedicated page on Biography.com.

Historic Papacy: Firsts and Milestones

When Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio stepped onto the Vatican balcony in 2013, history was made before he spoke a word. Francis was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,200 years. His papacy stands out for its “firsts”—shaping a Church ready to face the challenges of the modern era while reaching back to the heart of Christian service. His impact stretches far beyond tradition, breaking barriers that once seemed set in stone.

Groundbreaking Achievements and Reforms

Pope Francis set out to change how the Vatican worked—making it more open, honest, and accountable. His reforms touched every corner of Church governance.

• Transforming Vatican Finances: Francis pushed for transparency and accountability after decades of scandals tied to the Vatican Bank. He brought in outside experts and fostered adherence to global standards, leading to stricter controls and real consequences for financial misdeeds. The Vatican closed thousands of suspicious accounts, aiming to cut through decades of secrecy. For more details on these sweeping reforms, see the analysis on Bloomberg’s Vatican Bank Reform coverage.
• Streamlining Church Governance: He reorganized the Roman Curia—the Vatican’s central administration—by merging offices and clarifying responsibilities. This restructuring aimed to reduce bureaucracy so the Church could focus on service and outreach rather than internal politics.
• Pushing for Greater Transparency: Pope Francis insisted on regular audits, clearer reporting, and tougher rules for Church officials worldwide. His changes rattled long-standing power structures but helped restore some trust among Catholics and the wider public. According to NPR’s in-depth report on his financial reforms, these reforms marked one of the most significant shifts in Vatican management in decades.

These achievements weren’t always welcomed by insiders, but they marked a clear change in direction—a signal that the Church could reform itself while holding true to its values.

Progressive Teachings and Advocacy

From day one, Francis took a strong stand on issues many popes before him left untouched. His voice carried around the world, sparking conversation and action inside and outside the Church.

• Championing Social Justice: Francis made the poor and vulnerable front and center, not just in words but in actions. He called on Catholics and world leaders alike to address inequality, hunger, and the roots of conflict.
• Action on Climate Change: His 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” urged urgent care for our planet. This document made climate change a moral issue for the Church, holding both individuals and governments accountable for stewardship of the earth.
• Outreach to Marginalized Groups: Francis broke ground by expressing support for legal protections for same-sex civil unions, saying everyone deserves a family. He strongly opposed the death penalty in all cases—a major shift from centuries of Church teaching—and advocated for dignified treatment for prisoners and immigrants.
• Expanding Roles for Women: While controversies remain, Francis opened doors for women to serve in new roles inside the Vatican and local parishes. He appointed women to leadership positions never held before and called for more inclusion in Church decision-making.

These moves sometimes drew pushback, but they sparked real debate about the Church’s role in a changing world. His progressive stance built a bridge between tradition and new realities, drawing global attention, as highlighted in America Magazine’s tribute to his legacy.

For more on Francis’s historic background—including his rise as the first non-European pope in over a millennium—visit his Wikipedia profile.

Photo by Jean-Paul Wettstein