Pope Francis
News and feature coverage of Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church from March 2013 until his death in April 2025.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was the first pope from Latin America, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first Jesuit to serve as pope. He succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned from the papacy in 2013. Pope Francis died April 21, 2025, at age 88.
He chose the papal name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. This collection includes reporting on his papacy, teachings, writings, pastoral priorities and public statements, as well as his continuing influence on the Catholic Church.
Mass at Basilica of St. Mary Major marks anniversary of Pope Francis’ death
Pope Leo honors Pope Francis on death anniversary
Why do new bishop ordinations need the pope’s permission?
Church adds Mass ‘for care of creation’ to missal
