Francis (Pope Francis)

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Argentina, is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, having been elected as the 266th pope in March 2013. He is known for his emphasis on humility, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Francis advocates for the poor, environmental stewardship, and a more inclusive church. His papacy has been marked by efforts to address contemporary issues such as climate change, migration, and global inequality, appealing for compassion and mercy. He is the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, reflecting his unique background and progressive approach.