Francis (Jorge Bergoglio)

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Argentina, is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and has been pope since March 2013. He is the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. Known for his emphasis on humility, social justice, and compassion for the poor, he advocates for environmental stewardship and interfaith dialogue. He has taken a more progressive approach on several issues compared to his predecessors, encouraging a more inclusive Church. His papacy highlights a focus on the welfare of marginalized communities and a call for global solidarity amid pressing societal challenges.