Pope Francis was one of the most remarkable religious leaders the world has ever seen. He was humble, kind, and always close to ordinary people. From the moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and simply said “Good evening” to the crowd, the world knew something was different about him. In this article, we will walk you through everything you want to know about Pope Francis — his early life, when he became pope, how long he served, who came before him, and the incredible legacy he left behind. Let’s explore the story of this extraordinary man together.
Table of Contents
Who Was Pope Francis? A Simple Introduction
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He came from a working-class Italian immigrant family. Before becoming a priest, he actually worked as a chemical technician and a nightclub bouncer. He entered the Jesuit order in 1958 and was ordained as a priest in 1969. He later became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and then a Cardinal. was known for riding public buses, cooking his own meals, and living simply — even when he was the most powerful religious leader in the world. He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
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Complete Biography Table — Pope Francis
| Birth Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
|---|---|
| Papal Name | Pope Francis |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1936 |
| Place of Birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Date of Death | April 21, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 88 years old |
| Nationality | Argentine / Vatican City |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained as Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Became Archbishop | February 28, 1998 |
| Became Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected as Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| How Long Was Pope Francis Pope | 12 years (2013–2025) |
| Pope Number | 266th Pope of the Catholic Church |
| Pope Before Pope Francis | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Residence | Casa Santa Marta, Vatican (not Apostolic Palace) |
| Known Languages | Spanish, Italian, German, French, English, Latin, Portuguese |
| Notable Encyclicals | Laudato Si (2015), Amoris Laetitia (2016), Laudate Deum (2023) |
When Was Pope Francis Elected? The Historic Day
The answer is March 13, 2013. That day changed the Catholic Church forever. The election happened just weeks after a shocking announcement — the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, which was extremely rare in modern history. The world was watching closely to see who the cardinals would choose. When white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the evening of March 13, 2013, over 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Then Pope Francis appeared on the balcony and greeted the crowd in his simple, warm way. It was a moment that moved millions of people around the globe to tears.
When Did Pope Francis Become Pope — The Conclave Story
When did pope francis became pope is one of the most searched questions about him. He became pope on March 13, 2013, after being elected by the College of Cardinals during a special meeting called a conclave. The conclave took place inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, where cardinals from all over the world gathered in complete secrecy. They voted multiple times until one candidate received a two-thirds majority. Jorge Bergoglio was chosen on the fifth ballot. He chose the name Francis — inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor and nature. It was the first time any pope had taken that name in history.
How Long Was the Conclave for Pope Francis?
People often ask — how long was the conclave for pope francis? The answer is surprisingly short. The 2013 papal conclave lasted just two days. It began on March 12, 2013, and concluded the very next day on March 13, 2013. In total, the cardinals held five rounds of voting over those two days before reaching the required two-thirds majority. This was considered a relatively quick conclave compared to historical ones, some of which lasted for months or even years in the early Church. The swift result showed that the vatican conclave cardinals had a clear sense of direction and unity about who should lead the Catholic Church next.
Conclave start
Mar 12
2013 — Cardinals entered Sistine Chapel
Conclave end
Mar 13
2013 — White smoke announced new pope
Total ballots
5
Fifth ballot gave him two-thirds majority
Duration
2 days
One of the shorter modern conclaves
Who Was the Pope Before Pope Francis?
Who was the pope before pope francis? That was Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Germany on April 16, 1927. Pope Benedict XVI served as pope from April 19, 2005, until February 28, 2013. His resignation was one of the most stunning moments in modern Catholic history — the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. He said he no longer had the physical and mental strength to lead the Church properly. His humble and honest decision opened the door for Pope Francis to step in and begin a new chapter. Pope Benedict XVI later lived quietly inside the Vatican and passed away on December 31, 2022.
How Long Was Pope Francis Pope?
How long was pope francis pope? led the Catholic Church for exactly 12 years. He became pope on March 13, 2013, and passed away on April 21, 2025. During those 12 years, he traveled to over 60 countries, met with world leaders, and touched the lives of billions of Catholics around the globe. He visited refugee camps, hospitals, and prisons. He called for peace during conflicts and spoke boldly about climate change. His papacy lasted longer than many expected, especially given his health challenges in later years. Those 12 years were filled with meaningful change, bold statements, and moments of deep human connection.
Pope Francis and the Vatican Conclave Cardinals — How the System Works
Understanding how the vatican conclave cardinals system works helps explain why the election of Pope Francis was so significant. A conclave is a private gathering of all eligible cardinals — those under the age of 80 — who meet inside the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. They are completely cut off from the outside world. No phones, no internet, no outside communication. They vote in secret. Black smoke means no decision has been made. White smoke means a new pope has been chosen. During the 2013 conclave, 115 cardinals from around the world participated. The fact that they chose a man from South America for the first time in history was a huge and historic shift for the global Catholic Church.
Pope Francis — A Timeline of His Life and Papacy
1936
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina
December 17 — to Italian immigrant parents
1958
Entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Began his journey as a religious novice
1969
Ordained as a Catholic priest
December 13 — began his life of ministry
1998
Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires
Known for riding buses and living among the poor
2001
Appointed Cardinal by Pope John Paul II
February 21 — entered the College of Cardinals
2013
Elected 266th Pope of the Catholic Church
March 13 — took the name Pope Francis
2015
Published Laudato Si — landmark encyclical on climate
Addressed environmental and social justice globally
2023
Published Laudate Deum — updated climate call to action
Urged world leaders to act before it was too late
2025
Passed away peacefully at Casa Santa Marta
April 21 — aged 88, after 12 years as pope
What Made Pope Francis Different from Other Popes?
Pope Francis broke many traditions that had existed for centuries. He was the first Jesuit pope ever. He was the first pope from the Americas. He was the first pope to take the name Francis. He refused to live in the grand Apostolic Palace and instead chose a simple guesthouse called Casa Santa Marta. He washed the feet of prisoners, immigrants, and women — something that was very unusual and deeply meaningful. He spoke openly about poverty, inequality, and the need for the Church to be more welcoming. He met with abuse survivors personally and apologized for failures of the Church.
Pope Francis 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.” This single statement told the world everything about who he was.
The Legacy of Pope Francis — What Did He Leave Behind?
The legacy of Pope Francis is enormous and will be felt for decades. He modernized many conversations inside the Catholic Church — on topics like climate change, poverty, immigration, and interfaith dialogue. His encyclical Laudato Si became one of the most important environmental documents in history, cited by scientists, politicians, and activists around the world. He built bridges with other religions, including Judaism, Islam, and Orthodox Christianity. He also made the Church’s leadership more international by appointing cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Francis elected?
Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013. He was chosen by the College of Cardinals during a two-day conclave held inside the Sistine Chapel at Vatican City. He was announced as the new pope after the fifth ballot.
How long was Pope Francis pope?
Pope Francis served as pope for 12 years, from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025. During those 12 years, he traveled to over 60 countries and transformed many aspects of the Catholic Church’s image and direction.
Who was the pope before Pope Francis?
The pope before Pope Francis was Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany. He served from 2005 to 2013 and made the rare decision to resign from the papacy — the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years. He passed away on December 31, 2022.
How long was the conclave for Pope Francis?
The conclave for Pope Francis lasted just two days — March 12 and 13, 2013. The 115 participating cardinals held five rounds of voting before Jorge Mario Bergoglio received the required two-thirds majority and was elected pope.
Why did Pope Francis choose that name?
Pope Francis chose his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century friar who was famous for his love of the poor, animals, and nature. It was the first time any pope had ever taken the name Francis, which sent a clear message about the kind of humble and service-focused papacy he intended to lead.
What is the Vatican conclave and how do cardinals elect a pope?
The Vatican conclave is a secret gathering of Catholic cardinals under the age of 80 who meet inside the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. They are isolated from the outside world and vote by secret ballot. Black smoke from a chimney means no decision. White smoke means a new pope has been chosen. The word conclave comes from the Latin meaning “locked with a key.”
Conclusion — Pope Francis Left the World a Better Place
Pope Francis was more than just the leader of the Catholic Church. He was a symbol of hope, humility, and humanity. From the moment when did pope francis became pope on March 13, 2013, to his peaceful passing on April 21, 2025, he spent every day serving others. He showed the world that true leadership means getting close to people — especially the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. How long was pope francis pope? Twelve years. But the impact of those twelve years will last for centuries. His story reminds us all that greatness does not come from power — it comes from love and service.
