Before he became one of the world’s most recognised religious leaders, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, lived an ordinary and sometimes challenging life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and deep humility — qualities that have defined his papacy.

Born on December 17, 1936, Bergoglio was the eldest of five children. His father, Mario, was a railway worker, and his mother, Regina, was a homemaker. The Bergoglio household was firmly Catholic, and family values were central. His Italian immigrant roots also played a huge role in shaping his worldview, creating a bridge between European traditions and the vibrant culture of Latin America.

Early Struggles and Health Battles

As a young man, Jorge faced significant health challenges. At the age of 21, he suffered a severe lung infection, which led to the removal of part of his right lung. This early brush with mortality profoundly influenced his spiritual life. Reflecting on the experience years later, Pope Francis described it as a moment that taught him empathy for the sick and the vulnerable.

Despite these health issues, Bergoglio was known for his resilience. He enjoyed playing football in the streets with his friends and was a passionate fan of San Lorenzo de Almagro, a Buenos Aires football club, a loyalty he proudly maintains today.

A Career in Chemistry… Almost

Interestingly, before committing to the priesthood, Jorge pursued a different path. He studied chemistry at the University of Buenos Aires and even earned a chemical technician’s diploma. For a time, it seemed he might settle into a quiet scientific career.

However, the pull towards religious life was strong. In 1958, he entered the Society of Jesus — the Jesuits — one of the Catholic Church’s most intellectually rigorous and socially active orders. His decision shocked many who knew him, but for Bergoglio, it was a natural next step in his deepening faith journey.

Jesuit Formation and a Life of Service

Jesuit formation is famously intense, and Bergoglio’s path was no different. He spent years studying philosophy and theology, developing a deep intellectual foundation that would later inform his work as a teacher and leader.

By 1969, he was ordained a priest. Throughout the 1970s, during a time of political upheaval in Argentina, Bergoglio served in various leadership roles within the Jesuit community. His reputation for humility, discipline, and compassion grew steadily.

However, his leadership was not without controversy. During Argentina’s “Dirty War” (1976–1983), Bergoglio was accused by some of not doing enough to protect persecuted individuals. Later, he would speak candidly about the guilt and responsibility he felt, a rare and telling glimpse into his commitment to moral accountability.

Living Simply Among the People

In 1992, Bergoglio was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, later becoming Archbishop in 1998. His approach was radically different from many of his peers. Instead of living in a luxurious bishop’s palace, he chose a small flat, cooked his own meals, and travelled by public bus.

This commitment to simplicity became a hallmark of his leadership. One priest who worked closely with him said, “He led by example, not by orders. If he told you to care for the poor, it was because he was doing it himself.”

His motto as a bishop — Miserando atque eligendo (“Lowly but chosen”) — perfectly captured his worldview.

Why His Past Mattered When He Became Pope

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope in 2013, becoming Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, his background shocked many. Here was a man who had never sought power or prestige but instead lived quietly in service to the vulnerable.

It is precisely this life of humility, struggle, and service that made Pope Francis the kind of leader the world was longing for. His actions today — from embracing migrants to advocating for climate justice — are deeply rooted in his early life experiences.

As Francis himself said, “You have to walk with the people, not above them.”

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