Pope Francis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pope Francis |
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| Bishop of Rome | |
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Francis in 2021
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | 13 March 2013 |
| Papacy ended | 21 April 2025 |
| Predecessor | Benedict XVI |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 13 December 1969 |
| Consecration | 27 June 1992 by Antonio Quarracino |
| Created Cardinal | 21 February 2001 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | 17 December 1936 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | 21 April 2025 (aged 88) Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Residence | Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City |
| Previous post |
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| Education |
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| Motto | Miserando atque eligendo |
| Signature |  |
| Coat of arms |  |
Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) was the leader of the Catholic Church. He was also the ruler of Vatican City State. He served from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025. He was the first pope from the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). He was also the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. He was the first pope born outside Europe since the 8th century.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936. His birthplace was Flores, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the oldest of five children. His father, Mario José Bergoglio, was an accountant from Italy. His mother, Regina María Sívori, was a housewife. His father's family moved from Italy in 1929. They wanted to escape the rule of Benito Mussolini.
In sixth grade, Bergoglio went to a Salesian school. He later attended a technical high school. He graduated with a diploma in chemical technology. For several years, he worked in a food laboratory. He also worked as a bouncer and a janitor. When he was 21, he had part of a lung removed. This was due to pneumonia and cysts.
Becoming a Priest and Cardinal
Bergoglio joined the Jesuits in 1958. The Jesuits are a religious order in the Catholic Church. He became a Catholic priest in 1969. From 1973 to 1979, he was the Jesuit leader in Argentina. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. In 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal. He led the Church in Argentina during a time of riots in 2001.
His Time as Pope
Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope. He was also the first pope from the Americas. Many people thought he was the first non-European pope. However, he was the 11th. The previous one was Pope Gregory III from Syria in 741. Pope Francis's family came from northern Italy.
As pope, Francis was less formal than past popes. After his election, he took a bus with the cardinals. He did not use the special papal car. He also chose not to live in the official papal apartments. Instead, he stayed in the Vatican guest house. He was the first pope since Pope Pius X to do this.
Pope Francis spoke many languages. His first language was Spanish. He also spoke fluent Italian and German. He could also speak Latin, French, Portuguese, and English. He understood some other Italian dialects too.
In February 2025, Pope Francis went to the hospital. He had bronchitis and a lung infection. He was discharged in March and recovered at home. He appeared in public again in April.
Death of Pope Francis
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Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. He was 88 years old. He passed away at his home in Domus Sanctae Marthae. His funeral was held on April 26, 2025.
Why He Chose the Name Francis
Pope Francis explained why he chose his name. He picked it to honor Saint Francis of Assisi. He said he was very concerned about the poor. During the election, a cardinal told him, "Don't forget the poor." This made him think of the saint.
Saint Francis of Assisi was known for his love of poverty. He stood against the luxury of his time. Pope Francis admired this about him. This was the first time a pope was named "Francis." The Vatican said his official name was "Francis," not "Francis I."
Important Teachings
The Death Penalty
Pope Francis worked to end the death penalty worldwide. In 2018, he changed the Catholic Church's teachings. He stated that the death penalty is "unacceptable." He said it attacks a person's dignity. The Church now works hard to abolish it everywhere.
The Role of Women
Pope Francis also made changes regarding women. In 2021, he allowed women to be acolytes and lectors. These are roles in church services. Before, only men could be officially appointed to these roles. Women already did these duties in many places.
He said these roles are different from ordained clergy. In 2023, he allowed 35 women to vote at a meeting of bishops. This was the first time women could vote at such a meeting. He also appointed women to positions previously held only by men.
International Role
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Pope Francis played a big part in world events. He helped the U.S. and Cuba restore their diplomatic relations. He met with many world leaders. This included U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017. They talked about how religious groups can help people in crisis areas.
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He supported refugees during crises in Europe and Central America. He asked Western countries to welcome more immigrants. In 2022, he apologized for the Church's role in the "cultural genocide" of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Honors and Awards
Pope Francis received many honors. His official title in English was His Holiness Pope Francis. He was also called Holy Father.
- He received the International Charlemagne Prize in 2016.
- He was named "Person of the Year" by PETA in 2015. This was for asking Catholics to be kind to animals.
- He became an honorary Harlem Globetrotter in 2015.
- He received the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in 2020. This was for his work helping humanity.
- In 2022, he was given the Indigenous Name Wapikihew (White Eagle). This was from the Ermineskin Cree Nation.
Writings and Music
Pope Francis wrote many books and encyclicals. Encyclicals are important letters from the pope.
Music Album
An album called Wake Up! was released in 2015. It features speeches by Pope Francis. The speeches are set to music, including rock music.
Films About Pope Francis
Several films have been made about Pope Francis.
- Call Me Francesco (Italy, 2015) and Francis: Pray for me (Argentina, 2015) are biographical films.
- Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (2018) is a documentary film. It includes interviews and old footage.
- Francesco (2020) is another documentary.
- The Letter: A Message for our Earth (2022) is a documentary about his environmental teachings.
Pope Francis was also played by Jonathan Pryce in the film The Two Popes (2019). This movie was about his relationship with Pope Benedict XVI.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco (papa) para niños
- List of current Christian leaders
- List of current heads of state and government
- List of popes
Images for kids
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Bergoglio on 18 June 2008 giving a catechesis
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Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in 2008
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Francis with Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, holding traditional Argentine mate drinkware
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Inauguration of Francis, 19 March 2013
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Thousands welcomed Francis in Guayaquil, Ecuador, 6 July 2015.
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Francis in Quito, Ecuador, 2015
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The stamp is dedicated to the pastoral visit of Francis to Azerbaijan on 2 October 2016.
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Francis opens the Holy Door, marking the beginning of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
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Francis and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva both tried to find a peaceful solution to the war between Russia and Ukraine
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Francis visits a favela in Brazil during World Youth Day 2013.
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Francis with Cuban leader Raúl Castro in September 2015
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