How Old Is Pope Francis: A Clear, Verified Profile

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is currently in his late 80s. As of 2025, he is 88 years old; he will turn 89 on 17 December 2025. His papacy began on 13 March 2013, making him the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. This profile provides a clear, fact-first overview of his age, birth date, and key milestones, with practical guidance on verifying current details using authoritative Vatican sources.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Below are verified details about Pope Francis’s age and key life dates, drawn from official biographies and Vatican records.

Current Age and Birth Date

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936. Based on this date, he is 88 years old in 2025. He will celebrate his 89th birthday on 17 December 2025. His papacy began on 13 March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, marking a new era as the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold the office.

Calculating Pope Francis’s Age

Age is determined by comparing the current date to 17 December 1936. On his birthday each year, he turns another year older. Because there is no universally accepted papal age metric, reliable sources typically report either current age or birth year. For consistent reference, treating his age as of the most recent birthday is recommended.

Key Milestones in His Life and Ministry

Understanding Pope Francis’s age and timeline requires context about major vocational and ecclesial moments. These milestones frame his public career and explain the significance of his ongoing ministry at his current stage of life.

17 December 1936: Born in Buenos Aires.
1958–1960: Early Jesuit formation and studies in Argentina.
12 March 1969: Ordained to the priesthood.
2001: Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
18 February 2012: Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.
13 March 2013: Elected pope, choosing the name Francis.
2015: First papal visit to the United States and Cuba.
2024: Continues ministry as one of the longest-serving popes of the 21st century.

Comparing Papal Ages at Key Points

The table below compares Pope Francis’s age at select milestones with his predecessors at similar points, illustrating the duration and tempo of his papacy.

Attribute	Verified Detail	Source Type
Full Birth Name	Jorge Mario Bergoglio	Vatican biography
Date of Birth	17 December 1936	Official registry, Archdiocese of Buenos Aires
Place of Birth	Buenos Aires, Argentina	Biographical records
Age in 2025	88 years old	Calculated from date of birth
Papacy Start	13 March 2013	Vatican announcement

Date or Period	Pope Francis	Pope John Paul II (Comparable Stage)	Pope Benedict XVI (Comparable Stage)
Age at Election	76	58	78
Years in Office (as of 2025)	12	12 years by 1995	5 years by 2008
Age in 2025	88	83 at death (2005)	89 in 2025 (still active in retirement)

How to Verify Current Information

Because age updates annually, it is important to rely on authoritative sources. The Vatican’s official website, the Holy See press office, and recognized biographies provide reliable data. When searching online, prioritize domains such as vatican.va, reliable news agencies, and institutional archives to avoid outdated or incorrect figures.

Long-Term Outlook and Public Role

At 88, Pope Francis continues to engage in diplomacy, write encyclicals, and meet global leaders. His long tenure offers continuity in theological and social teaching, while his health and schedule are regularly assessed by Vatican medical staff. Observers can expect him to remain influential for the foreseeable future, with careful attention to official statements for any changes in his public duties.