“My people are poor, and I am one of them.” Pope Francis was a humble leader, rich in courage, love, and passion for all people, regardless of their circumstances. He lived, choosing not to reside in the luxurious Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, which could have provided him with a chef and extravagant accommodations. Instead, he opted for the palace guest house, where he cooked for himself.
Pope Francis held progressive beliefs, unlike his predecessors, even when he faced opposition from some church leaders. He was a modern pope, ready to engage with the fast-changing world with technological advances, shifting social climates, and a declining number of men answering the call to the priesthood. He accepted this challenge with humility.
Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. He was one of five children, and his parents were hardworking immigrants from Italy. Focused on his studies, he graduated as a chemical technician before committing his life to God and entering the priesthood. He continued his education while teaching literature and psychology at Conception College in Santa Fé and Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires. In 1970, he earned a degree in theology at Colegio del Salvatore in his hometown. Following that, he dedicated himself to his priestly duties.
In 1973, he was appointed Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina and worked in the university sector for six years. In 1986, he traveled to Germany to complete his doctoral thesis but eventually returned to Buenos Aires to continue serving as a spiritual director and confessor. In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. Not long after, he was elevated to the position of cardinal, moving toward an even greater calling.
After the passing of Pope John Paul II, Pope Francis participated in the Conclave that ultimately elected Pope Benedict XVI. 2013, it was finally Pope Francis’s turn to lead the Catholic Church. He served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. The announcement of his death on Easter Monday was a devastating loss to Catholics and Christians. Throughout his life, Pope Francis demonstrated unwavering dedication, and on his last day, he spread the love of the Lord on Easter Sunday. To many, he was a true reflection of compassion and humility and will be remembered by history as a beloved leader.