Read about Pope Francis and the history of the Catholic Church with these selections from the Library.
The man who would become Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on 17 December 1936, the son of Italian immigrants. Following his decision to join the priesthood, he became a priest in 1969. He would eventually become Arch Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a Cardinal in 2001. After the death of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Supreme Pontiff and took the papal name Francis. Pope Francis was the first pope from the Jesuit order and the first from the Americas. Pope Francis was known throughout his life and papacy for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and social justice.
Watch Pope Francis's first public speech as pope below. Click the CC button for English subtitles.
