A unique light born in the sacred and grand atmosphere of Vatican City that gave the world a message of love, forgiveness, and humanity was extinguished forever on April 21, 2025.
Pope Francis, whom the world knew not just as a religious leader but as the conscience of humanity, has become immortal in history due to his simple life, pure thoughts, and tireless efforts for interfaith harmony.
Pope Francis’s real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Despite his Italian heritage, he was raised in a modest household where he learned the values of simplicity, hard work, and service.
After completing his early education, he pursued chemical engineering but soon felt drawn to spirituality. In 1958, he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a reformist and intellectual order within the Catholic Church.
Every moment of his life was marked by service and humility. He was not only deeply knowledgeable but also a radiant beacon of spiritual awakening whose light illuminated the hearts of millions.
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, it was a historic moment in many ways. He was the first Latin American, the first Jesuit, and the first non-European Pope. He chose the name “Francis” in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love of simplicity, peace, and nature.
The most prominent aspect of Pope Francis’s life was his simplicity. He lived in modest accommodations instead of the luxurious Vatican apartments, served his own meals, traveled in an ordinary car, and spent time among the poor. He believed the Church should not just be a place of worship but also a refuge for the oppressed, the poor, and the helpless.
