Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. He is the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name "Francis"—a name that itself reflects humility, simplicity, and a deep care for the poor, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. From the very moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as pope, asking the people to pray for him before he blessed them, the world saw that this was a different kind of leader—one who walks in the spirit of the Gospel.
Pope Francis has always emphasized a “Church for the poor,” echoing the mission of Jesus Christ, who came “to bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). Throughout his papacy, he has shown genuine love for those on the margins of society: the poor, the sick, prisoners, migrants, and those forgotten by the world. He often reminds the Church not to remain closed in on itself, but to go out to the peripheries and serve. As he once said, “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.”
He held a special affection for the people of India. Pope Francis repeatedly expressed his desire to visit the country and personally meet the Indian faithful. He admired the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of India and often spoke warmly about Indian Catholics’ vibrant faith and commitment to service. Unfortunately, due to various logistical and diplomatic hurdles, the visit never materialized during his papacy—something he regretted deeply, as India remained close to his heart.
One striking incident that exemplifies his humility happened shortly after his election. Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis chose not to live in the lavish Apostolic Palace. Instead, he resides in the more modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, where he eats in the communal dining room and celebrates daily Mass with others. This simple act spoke volumes and set the tone for his entire pontificate.
He also made headlines when, during Holy Thursday services in 2013, he washed and kissed the feet of 12 young prisoners in a Roman detention center—among them, Muslims and women. This powerful act mirrored Christ’s own humility in John 13, and it broke with long-standing tradition, showing Francis's commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
In 2015, during his visit to the United States, he bypassed a lavish political luncheon to dine with homeless people at a shelter run by Catholic Charities. Again, his choice was not for the powerful, but for the powerless. His belief that the Church must be “a field hospital after battle” drives his mission to bring healing and hope to those wounded by injustice, poverty, and indifference.
Pope Francis is also a tireless voice for peace. In times of global conflict, he has consistently condemned war and arms trade, regardless of political or religious affiliations. “War is madness,” he declared in 2014. “It is the suicide of humanity.” In 2022, as the war in Ukraine escalated, he took the unprecedented step of visiting the Russian embassy in Rome to personally appeal for peace—a rare diplomatic gesture showing how seriously he takes his role as a peacemaker.
In addition to his actions, his words have often served as a source of hope and challenge. Here are a few of his memorable quotes that reflect the heart of his Gospel-centered leadership:
“The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need.”
“To change the world, we must be good to those who cannot repay us.”
“God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.”
“Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven.”
Despite his global stature, Pope Francis has remained remarkably grounded. He often travels in a modest Fiat or Ford Focus rather than luxury cars. His papal coat of arms includes the image of the IHS, symbolizing his Jesuit identity, and a star representing Mary, showing his Marian devotion. He is a man of deep prayer, known to spend long hours before the Blessed Sacrament and to rely heavily on the Holy Spirit in decision-making.
Even in his old age—he turned 88 in 2024—Francis continues to challenge the world to care more, love more, and judge less. He stands as a living witness to Christ’s commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). His life, though simple in appearance, speaks volumes about the transformative power of the Gospel.
Pope Francis may be one man, but his example calls the entire Church to remember what it means to be truly Christian—not in words, but in deeds. In a time often marked by division and indifference, his message is clear and urgent: “The Gospel is for everyone—not just the perfect, but the sinner, the broken, the lost. Let us open the doors of our hearts to Christ and to one another.”