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Pope Francis (left) meeting refugees at the Reception and Identification Centre in Mytilene on the island of Lesbos
Image: AFP

Pope Francis

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires in 1936, was elected head of the Catholic Church in 2013 after the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict. His papacy centered on peace, inclusion and the environment.

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News

June 7, 2025

Pope Leo XIV welcomes Argentine President Milei to Vatican

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Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Pope Leo XIV. greeting members of the press

Crowds gather at Vatican for inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV

Crowds gather at Vatican for inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV

Leo XIV has assumed his duties as head of the Catholic Church. Will he continue on the path of the late Pope Francis?
ReligionMay 18, 202502:01 min
A man pulls his belongings in a trolley behind him, walking along a dark street

Pope Francis' legacy: Sheltering the unhoused in the Vatican

Pope Francis' legacy: Sheltering the unhoused in the Vatican

Pope Francis championed the poor and made space for them in the Vatican. What will become of them now that he's gone?
SocietyMay 7, 20258 images
Pope Francis and cardinals on the balcony in the Vatican

How does a pope get his name?

How does a pope get his name?

The name a new pope adopts says a lot about what he stands for.
ReligionMay 7, 2025
Pope Francis (2nd R) waves at Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (L) during a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 4, 2024

Will the new pope come from Asia?

Will the new pope come from Asia?

Cardinals from Asia make up the second largest voting bloc this time around, next only to those from Europe.
ReligionMay 6, 20257 images
Firefighters work on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to set a chimney, ahead of the conclave

Cardinals gather in Rome to elect new pope

Cardinals gather in Rome to elect new pope

Their presence has got the whole city buzzing about who will succeed the late Pope Francis.
ReligionMay 5, 202502:49 min
Cardinals dressed in red

Vatican: Why conclave's new pope pick is hard to predict

Vatican: Why conclave's new pope pick is hard to predict

The 2025 conclave is less predictable than ever after Francis shook up the Catholic Church during his years as pope.
ReligionMay 4, 2025
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

An image of Pope Francis, adorned with a black ribbon, stands on an altar in a church in Gaza

Palestinian Christians in Gaza: Pope Francis never forgot us

Pope Francis made sure to regularly call Palestinians sheltering in a small Catholic parish in Gaza City, offering hope.
ConflictsApril 24, 2025
A close up of candles, flowers and handwritten letters, left for Pope Francis who on February 25 remained in a 'critical' condition in hospital

Faithful flock to Rome, praying for Pope to pull through

Catholics in Rome gather to pray outside the hospital where Pope Francis is being treated.
SocietyFebruary 25, 2025
Papst Franziskus

Pope Francis' memoir: Laments, and hopes, for the world

For the first time in history, a pope's autobiography has been published in his lifetime.
SocietyJanuary 16, 2025
Mascots Xin, Luce, Fe and Sky, with the little angel Lubi and the dog Santino

Holy Year 2025: What to expect

The Pope will open the "Jubilee" or "Holy Year 2025" on Christmas Eve. What does that entail?
ReligionDecember 22, 2024
Pope Francis kisses the hand of Indonesia's Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar

Vatican's 'pivot to Asia' reflected in Pope Francis' tour

The pope's 12-day tour shows that the Vatican — like many other Western states — is working to deepen ties with Asia.
ReligionSeptember 13, 2024
Prisca Convalves, a resident of East Timor’s capital Dili threatened with eviction

Pope Francis' visit to East Timor sparks controversy

In East Timor, a sprawling altar built for the pontiff's imminent visit has threatened many locals with eviction.
ReligionSeptember 9, 202403:12 min
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