Current Pope at a Glance
As of 2025, the pope is Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was elected on 13 March 2013 and remains the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. This profile provides verified, evergreen details about his papacy, biographical background, and key milestones, avoiding speculation or time-sensitive news.
Verified Identity and Election
Papal Name and Birth Name
The pope’s regnal name is Pope Francis. His birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He chose Francis I as his papal name shortly after his election to honor Francis of Assisi.
Date of Election and Papacy Start
Pope Francis was elected by the College of Cardinals in the 2013 papal conclave and commenced his papacy on 13 March 2013. His election followed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Papal Name | Pope Francis | Official regnal name |
| Birth Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio | Biographical records |
| Election Date | 13 March 2013 | Holy See announcement |
| Prior Office | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (29 June 1998–2013) | Holy See biography |
| Episcopal Ordination | 27 June 1992 | Holy See records |
| Created Cardinal | 21 February 2001 | consistory record |
Papal Timeline at a Glance
A concise timeline of key dates in Pope Francis’s ecclesiastical life and papacy, useful for orientation and context.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 17 December 1936 | Birth in Buenos Aires, Argentina | Context for his Argentine background |
| 27 June 1992 | Ordained a bishop | Entry into episcopal ministry |
| 21 February 2001 | Elevated to cardinal | Recognition at the Roman Curia |
| 13 March 2013 | Elected pope (Pope Francis I) | Start of his pontificate |
| 19 March 2013 | Inauguration Mass | Papal ministry formally begun |
Key Biographical Highlights
- Birthplace and formation: Buenos Aires, Argentina; grew up in a working-class family of Italian descent.
- Early vocation and education: Entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958; studied chemistry in secondary school and philosophy/theology.
- Ministry milestones: Ordained priest in 1969; served as provincial superior of the Jesuits in Argentina; appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
- Cardinalate: Created cardinal in 2001; participated in the 2005 papal conclave and the 2013 conclave that elected him pope.
- Papal priorities: Emphasis on mercy, the poor, clerical abuse accountability, and reform of the Curia; issued the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium and the encyclical Laudato Si’.
Status and Duration of the Current Pontificate
Pope Francis has served as pope since 13 March 2013. As of 2025, his papacy continues; there are no canonical circumstances or official announcements indicating its conclusion. His leadership remains the reference point for the Roman Catholic Church’s governance and teachings.
Common Points of Clarification
Is this the current pope in 2025?
Yes. The individual serving as pope in 2025 is Pope Francis, who has been pope since 2013.
Has there been a resignation or change as of today?
No. There is no official resignation or change reported; Pope Francis remains the elected pope.