What was the birth name of Pope Francis, who died in April 2025?

The individual known to the world as Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the first pontiff to hail from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy. He continues to lead the Catholic Church as of the current date, despite some speculative or outdated information found in various sources that suggest an April 2025 passing.

Bergoglio's election to the papacy occurred on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Upon his election, he chose the name Francis, a significant departure from previous papal naming conventions as it had never been used before. This choice was made in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian saint revered for his life of poverty, humility, and dedication to the poor and to creation.

His selection of the name Francis signaled a papacy that would emphasize these values, focusing on simplicity, social justice, and concern for the marginalized. His background as a cardinal in Argentina, where he was known for his humble lifestyle, including using public transportation and living in a modest apartment, further underscored this commitment. His papacy has been marked by a strong emphasis on interreligious dialogue, environmental advocacy, and a call for a "poor Church for the poor."