Pope Francis, originally Jorge Mario Bergoglio, grew up in Buenos Aires, deeply rooted in faith and spirituality before becoming the first Latin American pope in history.
Pope Francis: From Buenos Aires Boy to Vatican Leader
Pope Francis: From Buenos Aires Boy to Vatican Leader
In a journey that began in Argentina, Pope Francis has transformed the Catholic Church since 2013, striving for inclusivity and compassion.
April 21, 2025, 5:11 a.m. ET
Pope Francis, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, was raised in a family of Italian immigrants as the eldest of five children. From a young age, he displayed a profound connection to his faith, which was combined with an intelligence and a passion for the tango, a beloved dance in his culture.
At the age of 16, a pivotal moment took place as young Jorge hurried to meet friends yet felt an unexpected pull to enter the Basilica of St. Joseph in Buenos Aires. Once inside, he experienced a personal revelation, saying it felt as if “someone grabbed me from inside.” This moment defined his path, leading him to discern a calling to the priesthood, prompting him to join a seminary soon after.
Following thirteen years of rigorous theological study, Bergoglio was ordained a priest in 1969. His journey from the streets of Buenos Aires to the Vatican was marked by a commitment to fostering a more welcoming and inclusive church, making a significant mark on the Catholic community globally since he took the papal office in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. His life and service illustrate an extraordinary quest for spiritual leadership amid evolving societal landscapes.
Pope Francis, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, was raised in a family of Italian immigrants as the eldest of five children. From a young age, he displayed a profound connection to his faith, which was combined with an intelligence and a passion for the tango, a beloved dance in his culture.
At the age of 16, a pivotal moment took place as young Jorge hurried to meet friends yet felt an unexpected pull to enter the Basilica of St. Joseph in Buenos Aires. Once inside, he experienced a personal revelation, saying it felt as if “someone grabbed me from inside.” This moment defined his path, leading him to discern a calling to the priesthood, prompting him to join a seminary soon after.
Following thirteen years of rigorous theological study, Bergoglio was ordained a priest in 1969. His journey from the streets of Buenos Aires to the Vatican was marked by a commitment to fostering a more welcoming and inclusive church, making a significant mark on the Catholic community globally since he took the papal office in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. His life and service illustrate an extraordinary quest for spiritual leadership amid evolving societal landscapes.
