“True power is service. The Pope must serve all people, especially the poor, the weak, the vulnerable.” – Pope Francis
Aside from choosing “Francis” as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, throughout his public life, Pope Francis has been highly recognised for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, international visibility as pope, concern for the poor, and commitment to interreligious dialogue.
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This piece spotlights the vibrant journey of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. His election on March 13, 2013, marked a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church. Known for his humility, compassion, and progressive views, Pope Francis has dedicated his papacy solely to addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
He was born to Italian immigrants Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, young Jorge experienced a modest upbringing. He studied chemistry before feeling a calling to the priesthood. In 1958, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was ordained a priest in 1969. His education included studies in philosophy and theology, culminating in a doctorate in theology from the University of Freiburg in Germany.
Bergoglio’s rise within the Church was marked by a deep commitment to social justice and pastoral care. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. His time as archbishop was characterized by a focus on the poor and marginalized, often opting to travel by public transport and live in a simple apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace.
His election as Pope in 2013 brought a breath of fresh air to the Vatican. Taking the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, he emphasized a vision of the Church as a “poor Church for the poor.” His papacy has been noted for its emphasis on mercy, humility, and a call to address modern-day challenges such as climate change, migration, and economic inequality.
Pope Francis’s Key Initiatives and Reforms Laudato si’ and Environmental Advocacy
In 2015, Francis issued Laudato si’, addressing environmental degradation and its moral implications. He promoted the concept of “integral ecology,” connecting harm to the natural world with economic exploitation and human rights abuses. The document’s timing, just before the Paris Climate Agreement, stirred considerable public interest and polarized opinions, particularly in the United States.
Advocacy for Inclusivity and Unity
Francis’s papacy has been marked by efforts to promote inclusivity and unity. He reached out to non-Catholic Christians and non-Christians, advocating for fraternity and social friendship. In October 2020, he issued the encyclical Fratelli tutti, addressing the fragility of world systems in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and condemning the world’s “throwaway culture.”
Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse
Francis has faced the ongoing challenge of addressing clergy sexual abuse. He urged bishops to reach out to victims and implement procedures to prevent abuse. However, critics observed that the Vatican was slow to punish known abusers.
Historic Apologies and Advocacy for Indigenous Rights
In July 2022, Francis made a “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada, apologizing to survivors of residential schools for the abuse committed by Christians. He described the schools as “a disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” The following year, he visited Portugal for World Youth Day and Mongolia, marking another historic first in papal visits.
Legacy and Future
Francis’s health issues, including sciatica and knee problems, have limited his activities but not his impact. In 2023, he issued the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, warning that global responses to the climate crisis were inadequate. He also consecrated 21 new cardinals, likely influencing the future direction of the church.
Pastoral Visits
Pope Francis’s pastoral visits are integral to his mission of bringing the Church closer to the people. These journeys are marked by a focus on marginalized communities and regions experiencing conflict or crisis.
One of his early visits was to the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013, a primary entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. There, he denounced the “globalization of indifference” towards migrants and refugees, calling for compassion and action to address their plight.
In 2015, Pope Francis visited the United States, where he addressed Congress, the United Nations, and held masses in various cities. His messages focused on climate change, economic justice, and the importance of family values. The visit to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families highlighted his commitment to supporting and strengthening family life.
In 2016, his visit to Lesbos, Greece, brought attention to the refugee crisis. Accompanied by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, he met with refugees and called for a compassionate response to their needs. His decision to bring twelve Muslim refugees back to the Vatican with him was a powerful symbol of solidarity and action.
Pope Francis’s visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017 was another significant pastoral journey. Amidst the Rohingya crisis, he called for respect for human rights and dignity for all. His meetings with the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh underscored his commitment to advocating for the oppressed and vulnerable.
In 2024, Pope Francis paid a one-day pastoral visit to the northern Italian city of Verona and preached the message of peace, offering an alternative to the current social paradigm. While the city is home to just over 250,000 residents, the Pope’s message was global in scope.
These are the few among many impactful journeys he has embarked on, seeking peace and love amongst the inhabitants of the earth.
Philanthropic Icon
The Pope Francis Charitable Trust Fund supports parish-based charitable ministry in action. Key focus areas include feeding the hungry; supporting secure housing; helping children; and assistance with utilities, transportation, and minor healthcare costs.
Recalling the Sermon on the Mount, Pope explained that the Holy Father showed that Jesus revealed love “as a theological that assumes the name of charity.” It is a difficult virtue to practice, even an impossible one, “if one does not live in God.”
Vatican Almoner’s Office: Under Pope Francis, the Office of Papal Charities has been revitalized to provide direct assistance to those in need. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, appointed by Francis, often ventures into Rome to deliver aid to the homeless, migrants, and impoverished families. This hands-on approach symbolizes the Pope’s desire for the Church to be actively involved in charitable work.
Peter’s Pence: This initiative collects donations from Catholics worldwide to support various charitable projects, including disaster relief, education, and healthcare initiatives. Under Pope Francis, these funds have been directed towards aiding victims of natural disasters, supporting educational programs in underprivileged regions, and providing medical assistance to impoverished communities.
Healthcare Initiatives: Pope Francis has supported numerous healthcare projects, particularly in developing countries. The Bambino Gesù Hospital, the Vatican’s pediatric hospital, has expanded its outreach programs, providing medical care to children in conflict zones and impoverished regions. The Pope has also promoted the Vatican Pharmacy’s efforts to provide affordable medications to those in need.
Environmental Protection: His encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” calls for urgent action to protect the environment and combat climate change. Pope Francis emphasizes the link between environmental degradation and social injustice, advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of the planet and the poor. “The earth, our home, is becoming more and more like an immense pile of filth. We need to care for our common home,” he aptly stated.
Support for Refugees and Migrants: According to Pope Francis “Migrants are our brothers and sisters in search of a better life, far away from poverty, hunger, and war. We must welcome and integrate them.” He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants.
The Vatican has launched various initiatives to support these communities, including providing housing, legal assistance, and integration programs. The Pope’s personal involvement, such as taking in refugee families, underscores his commitment to this cause.
Testimonies Abounds
The impact of Pope Francis’s initiatives is best illustrated by the testimonies of those who have benefitted from his works.
Refugee Families: One poignant story is that of the Hasan family from Syria, whom Pope Francis personally brought to the Vatican after his visit to Lesbos. “We were living in fear and uncertainty,” recalls Fadi Hasan. “The Pope’s gesture saved our lives. We now have a chance to rebuild and live with dignity.”
Homeless Individuals in Rome: Many homeless individuals in Rome have experienced the Pope’s compassion firsthand. Maria, a woman who received aid from the Vatican Almoner’s Office, shares, “I was on the streets with nowhere to turn. The Pope’s charity gave me hope and a fresh start. I am forever grateful.”
Victims of Natural Disasters: In the Philippines, which has been struck by numerous typhoons, Pope Francis’s support has been vital. Juan Carlos, a survivor of Typhoon Haiyan, recalls, “The aid from the Church, funded by Peter’s Pence, helped us rebuild our homes and lives. The Pope’s message of solidarity gave us strength.”
Children in Conflict Zones: The outreach programs of the Bambino Gesù Hospital have touched many lives. A mother from Syria shares, “My child needed urgent medical care, but we had no means. The hospital’s team came to our rescue, offering not just medical help but also hope and compassion.”
Pope Francis has emerged as a transformative figure in the modern world, championing the causes of the poor, the marginalized, and the environment. His biography, pastoral visits, and philanthropic works reflect a deep commitment to embodying the values of compassion, humility, and justice.
The testimonies from those who have benefitted from his initiatives and his inspiring quotes further illustrate the profound impact of his leadership. As the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis continues to be a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless in an increasingly complex and divided world.