Pope Francis - Let's get to know the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, in more detail. We have all the details and facts you need to know about him.

Pope Francis's Birthday 2024 – December 17, 2024

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known as Pope Francis, was born on December 17, 1936, and is the Bishop of Rome. He is, as such, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State since his 2013 election. Today is the Pope’s birthday, and we are going to celebrate him right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Nickname:

Pope Francis

Birth date:

December 17, 1936

Age:

87 years, 4 months

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 7"

Net Worth:

$16.0 million

Pope Francis's Social Media:

Background

Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, was born in Flores, a neighborhood of Buenos Aires, to parents Mario José Bergoglio, an Italian immigrant accountant, and Regina María Sívori, a housewife. After finishing junior school, Bergoglio attended the technical secondary school Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen, where he graduated with a chemical technician’s diploma. He later worked in the food section of Hickethier-Bachmann Laboratory, as well as worked as a bar bouncer and as a janitor, sweeping floors.After studying further at the archdiocesan seminary, Inmaculada Concepción Seminary, in Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus as a novice in 1958. In 1969, he was ordained as a Catholic priest, and from 1973 to 1979 was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. In 1998, he became the archbishop of Buenos Aires, and later in 2001, was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. In 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis by a papal conclave.During his papacy, Bergoglio has been known for his less formal approach to the role of the Bishop of Rome, as well as his modesty, international fame, regard for the poor, and his devotion to interreligious dialogue. He has also been honored and awarded for various causes, such as a canter in the Philippines named after himself, The Pope Francis Center for the Poor, and being granted Person of the Year by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Career timeline

1958
The Society of Jesus

Bergoglio enters the Society of Jesus as a novice.

1998
The Archbishop of Buenos Aires

Bergoglio becomes the Archbishop of Buenos Aries.

2001
The Title Bump

Bergoglio is named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II.

2013
The Election As Pope

Bergoglio is elected as Pope Francis by a papal conclave.

Pope Francis FAQs

Does Pope Francis have children?

No, Pope Francis does not have any children.

Does Pope Francis have social media?

The Pope has two verified accounts on Instagram and Twitter.

How much does Pope Francis make?

He does not earn a salary as a monarch. As he is the Pope, he has everything at his disposal.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. His Pope Francis name

    ‘Francis’ was chosen as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

  2. He suffered a deadly disease

    Bergoglio suffered from life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts and had part of a lung excised.

  3. He has a favorite football club

    Bergoglio is a lifelong fan of San Lorenzo de Almagro football club.

  4. He was portrayed in a film

    In the film “The Two Popes,” Bergoglio was portrayed by actor Jonathan Pryce.

  5. He is a writer

    Bergoglio has written several books, encyclicals, and other scripts.

Why We Love Pope Francis

  1. He has empowered women

    Bergoglio has changed the Catholic Church laws to include women as Bible readers at Mass, serving at the altar, as well as distributing communion. This has allowed bishops to institute women into the ministries of acolyte and lector.

  2. He advocates for action against climate change

    Bergoglio is a huge advocate for climate change. He has asked the people of the world to take swift and unified global action against environmental degradation and global warming.

  3. He supports the L.G.B.T.

    Bergoglio has become very supportive of the L.B.G.T. community. He has also expressed that parents of gay children should support their children instead of condemning them.

Pope Francis’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2022 December 17 Saturday
2023 December 17 Sunday
2024 December 17 Tuesday
2025 December 17 Wednesday
2026 December 17 Thursday