10 Defining Moments in the Life of Pope Francis
Argentina,Vatican City
Catholic Priest,Theologian,Writer
Also known as: Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Born: 1936-12-17 (Argentina·Buenos Aires)
Age:88
Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. He took office on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.
1958-03-11
1958-03-11
Entered the Society of Jesus
Jorge Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus as a novice.
21
Religious Order
1969-12-13
1969-12-13
Ordained to the Priesthood
Jorge Bergoglio became a priest in the Society of Jesus.
32
Ordination
1973-07-31
1973-07-31
Appointed Provincial Superior
Served as head of the Society of Jesus in Argentina.
36
Appointment
1992-05-20
1992-05-20
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires
Started his service as a bishop.
55
Episcopal Appointment
1997-06-03
1997-06-03
Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires
Positioned to succeed the Archbishop.
60
Episcopal Appointment
1998-02-28
1998-02-28
Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires
Succeeded as head of the Archdiocese.
61
Episcopal Appointment
2001-02-21
2001-02-21
Created Cardinal
Elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
64
Cardinal Appointment
2013-03-13
2013-03-13
Elected Pope
Elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
76
Papal Election
2013-11-24
2013-11-24
First Apostolic Exhortation
Published Evangelii Gaudium, outlining his vision for the papacy.
76
Publication
2015-05-24
2015-05-24
Encyclical Laudato si'
Published an encyclical on care for our common home.
78
Publication