Before becoming Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio led a life full of surprising twists. Born in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrant parents, he once worked as a nightclub bouncer before discovering his true calling after a serious lung illness. A visit to church during this difficult time deeply changed him, leading him to join the Jesuit order and eventually become a priest.

He rose through the church ranks, becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a cardinal in 2001. In 2013, he was elected the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. Known for his humility, he famously chose to live simply, often taking public transportation instead of luxury vehicles.

Pope Francis was praised for his dedication to the Gospel values, especially his care for the poor and marginalized. His message and lifestyle reflected a desire for a “poor Church, and for the poor,” inspiring millions around the world.

Despite the enormous responsibility, Francis admitted feeling anxious during his first Mass as pope but was comforted by the kindness of those around him. His journey from nightclub bouncer to leader of the Roman Catholic Church is a powerful story of transformation and faith.

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