1 / 11Eighty-eight-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after his bronchitis worsened. By Tuesday, February 18, doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia in both lungs, along with a polymicrobial respiratory infection—caused by a mix of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. He was being treated with antibiotics and cortisone for asthmatic bronchitis. On Sunday, doctors said that the pontiff’s condition had worsened.
2 / 11No 1. The First Latin American and Jesuit Pope | Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Unlike most of his predecessors—nearly 200 of whom were from Italy—he hails from outside Europe. As the 266th pope, he also holds the distinction of being the first Jesuit to assume the papacy.
3 / 11No 2. Roots in Italy: His Family Heritage | Though born in Argentina, Pope Francis has Italian heritage. His parents were Italian immigrants, with his father working as a railway accountant while his mother dedicated herself to raising their five children.
4 / 11No 3. Education in Chemistry and Philosophy | Pope Francis studied philosophy and holds a master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires. Before entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto, he studied at a technical school, where he trained as a chemical technician.
5 / 11No 4. An Educator at Heart | Before becoming the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, between 1964 and 1965, Pope Francis taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé. The following year, he continued teaching the same subjects at Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires.
6 / 11No 5. A Close Contender in the 2005 Papal Conclave | Following the death of Pope John Paul II, Jorge Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, was reportedly the runner-up in the 2005 papal conclave. However, it was Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI, that ultimately secured the papacy.
7 / 11No 6. A Name of Compassion and Humility | Pope Francis is the first pope to adopt the name Francis. He chose it in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, renowned for his devotion to the poor and his simple, humble way of life.
8 / 11No 7. A Humble Approach to Leadership | Breaking with nearly a century of tradition, Pope Francis chose to forgo the luxurious papal residence. Instead, he opted for a modest two-room apartment.
9 / 11No 8. A Pop Culture Icon | Pope Francis made history as the first pope to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The January 2014 feature, titled “Pope Francis: The Times They Are A-Changin’,” highlighted his global influence and progressive approach to leadership.
10 / 11No 9. The People’s Pope and Time’s Person of the Year | In 2013, Pope Francis became the first pope to be named Time magazine’s Person of the Year. His warmth, humility, and dedication to the less fortunate—whether by blessing children, visiting the sick, or advocating for social justice—earned him the affectionate title of “the people’s pope.
11 / 11No 10. A Passion for Soccer | Pope Francis is an avid soccer fan and a loyal supporter of Argentina’s San Lorenzo soccer club.
