April 21, 2025, 5:11 a.m. ET
Pope Francis, originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936, in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. As the eldest son of Italian immigrants, he grew up in a bustling household with four siblings, fostering a sense of community and warmth. From a young age, he exhibited a deep religious inclination alongside a love for the tango, embodying the spirited culture of Argentina.
At the age of 16, a pivotal moment occurred for Jorge while he was hurrying to meet friends. He felt an inexplicable urge to step into the Basilica of St. Joseph. Inside, he felt a powerful "force pulling" him inward. It was in that sanctuary that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, declaring, “Right there I knew I had to be a priest.” This moment marked the beginning of his religious journey, leading him to join a seminary shortly after.
After dedicating 13 years to theological education and spiritual development, Bergoglio was ordained as a priest in 1969. His early days in ministry were defining, as he began to express his vision of a church rooted in compassion and outreach—values that he emphasizes to this day as the head of the Catholic Church, a role he assumed in 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Francis, originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936, in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. As the eldest son of Italian immigrants, he grew up in a bustling household with four siblings, fostering a sense of community and warmth. From a young age, he exhibited a deep religious inclination alongside a love for the tango, embodying the spirited culture of Argentina.
At the age of 16, a pivotal moment occurred for Jorge while he was hurrying to meet friends. He felt an inexplicable urge to step into the Basilica of St. Joseph. Inside, he felt a powerful "force pulling" him inward. It was in that sanctuary that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, declaring, “Right there I knew I had to be a priest.” This moment marked the beginning of his religious journey, leading him to join a seminary shortly after.
After dedicating 13 years to theological education and spiritual development, Bergoglio was ordained as a priest in 1969. His early days in ministry were defining, as he began to express his vision of a church rooted in compassion and outreach—values that he emphasizes to this day as the head of the Catholic Church, a role he assumed in 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
