When white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on March 13, 2013, the Catholic Church entered a new era. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica as Pope Francis, aged 76 years and 86 days old. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he became the first pontiff from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) to lead the global church. His election marked a profound shift for an institution historically dominated by European leadership.
Understanding his journey from the bustling capital of Argentina to the heart of Vatican City requires looking closely at the timeline of his life, the significance of his age during the 2013 papal conclave, and how his background shaped his historic papacy.
The Early Years in Buenos Aires
Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up in a working-class immigrant family in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires. His father, Mario, worked as an accountant for the railway, and his mother, Regina Sivori, managed the household alongside four siblings. Before discovering his religious vocation, young Jorge earned a diploma as a chemical technician and worked various odd jobs, including bouncer at a local bar and floor cleaner in a chemical laboratory.
His path shifted dramatically in his early twenties. After battling a severe respiratory infection that required the partial removal of one of his lungs, he entered the diocesan seminary in Villa Devoto. He later joined the Society of Jesus in 1958, completing humanities studies in Chile and earning degrees in philosophy and theology from the Colegio Máximo de San José in San Miguel.
Rise Through the Argentine Hierarchy
Bergoglio was ordained a Catholic priest on December 13, 1969. Over the next three decades, he rose rapidly through church ranks during a turbulent period of Argentine history, including the country's military dictatorship.
- Provincial Superior (1973–1979): He served as the head of the Jesuits in Argentina during a time of intense political polarization, a period he later acknowledged required deep introspection regarding leadership mistakes made while he was very young.
- Bishop and Archbishop: Appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, he became archbishop in 1998 following the death of Cardinal Antonio Quarracino.
- Cardinal creation: Pope John Paul II elevated Bergoglio to the College of Cardinals in February 2001, giving him a prominent voice in global church governance.
Throughout his time in Buenos Aires, Bergoglio rejected the traditional luxuries associated with high church office. He lived in a modest apartment instead of the archbishop's palace, cooked his own meals, and traveled across the city using public buses and the underground subway system. This pastoral style earned him the moniker of the "bishop of the slums," as he frequently walked through impoverished neighborhoods to meet working-class families.
The 2013 Papal Conclave and Age Significance
Following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February 2013, 115 cardinal electors gathered in Rome to choose a successor. At 76 years old, Bergoglio was considered a senior figure within the College of Cardinals. Many analysts initially assumed the conclave would look for a younger pontiff capable of managing a long, physically demanding administrative reform of the Roman Curia.
However, the cardinals favored his pastoral experience, humility, and global perspective outside European politics. On the second day of the conclave, after five rounds of voting, Bergoglio secured the necessary two-thirds majority. Choosing the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he signaled a commitment to defending the poor, protecting the environment, and prioritizing mercy over rigid bureaucracy.
His age at election placed him in the upper tier of pontiffs historically, yet his physical stamina and relentless schedule surprised critics. He chose to live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than the sprawling apostolic apartments, maintaining a hands-on approach to leadership until his passing in April 2025 at the age of 88.
Global Impact and Legacy
The transition from a lifetime spent in Buenos Aires to governing Vatican City transformed the papacy. Pope Francis focused international attention on marginalized communities, migrant rights, and climate change, publishing encyclicals like Laudato si' that addressed ecological crises.
His leadership also redefined how the Vatican interacts with global media. By refusing traditional protocols when they created barriers between him and ordinary people, he established a standard of accessibility that resonated far beyond the Catholic faithful. Detailed biographical archives are maintained by The Holy See, while academic overviews of his pontificate can be found through institutions like the University of San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pope Francis's exact age when elected?
He was 76 years and 86 days old when chosen as the 266th pontiff on March 13, 2013.
Why did Jorge Mario Bergoglio choose the name Francis?
He chose the name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, noting that the saint represents peace, poverty, and protection for the vulnerable and the natural world.
Was Pope Francis the first non-European pope?
He was the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,200 years.
What career did he pursue before becoming a priest?
Before entering the seminary, he worked as a chemical technician and held various jobs, including working in food hygiene laboratories and as a bar bouncer in Buenos Aires.
