Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
The worldwide spiritual leader of Catholics was elected by the College of Cardinals in 2013. Before being installed as pope, Bergoglio joined the novitiate of the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He was previously the superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina and Uruguay, the auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2001. Bergoglio was elected pope at 78 years old.
During his papacy, Bergoglio has taken a strong stance on social issues and controversial topics, including warnings regarding climate change and showing support to Catholics in the LGBTQ community.
The head of the Holy See has experienced a number of health battles, even in his youth. At 21 years old, a case of pneumonia led to the partial removal of his right lung. In 2021 and 2023, Pope Francis underwent heart surgeries. Additionally, beginning in 2022, the pope’s mobility has been limited due to knee issues. He has since remained mobile by using a wheelchair.
In February 2025, Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis. It was later revealed by the Vatican that he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, a condition affecting both lungs.
