Today, we reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, whose passing on April 21, 2025, marks the end of a remarkable era for the Catholic Church and the world. Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first pontiff from the Americas, and the first non-European to hold the papacy in more than 1,200 years. His appointment in 2013 signaled a profound shift for the Church – one that would be defined by humility, mercy, and a renewed focus on serving the marginalized.
Throughout his papacy, Francis challenged both the faithful and secular society to confront uncomfortable truths about economic inequality, environmental degradation, and the plight of refugees. He dismantled much of the Vatican’s traditional pomp, choosing simpler vestments and residence. His approachable nature and willingness to engage with contemporary issues earned him admirers far beyond Catholic circles. Examining his life and contributions, we see a leader whose influence extended well beyond religious boundaries. He reshaped conversations about faith’s role while addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. As the world mourns the loss of this historic pontiff, The Bradford Exchange joins with them as we look at his humble beginnings.
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A Short Biography
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who would later become Pope Francis, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents. His father Mario worked as a railway worker, while his mother Regina managed their household. Growing up in Flores, a middle-class neighborhood, Jorge was the eldest of five children.
As a young boy, Bergoglio attended Wilfrid Barón de los Santos Ángeles elementary school and later the technical secondary school Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen, where he graduated as a chemical technician. During his teenage years, he suffered a severe lung infection that required surgery, resulting in the removal of part of one lung – a health challenge that would affect him throughout his life.
Before finding his religious calling, Jorge briefly worked as a bouncer and janitor. At 21, he experienced a profound spiritual moment during confession that altered his life’s trajectory. This transformative experience led him to pursue religious studies at the diocesan seminary of Villa Devoto. In 1958, Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), beginning his journey toward priesthood and eventually the papacy.
Francis’s road to the Vatican was paved with many important personal milestones and historic events. Below are some that were foundational to his evolution from Jesuit seminarian to Holy Father.
1963: Completes his studies in humanities in Chile and earns a degree in philosophy from the Colegio Máximo de San José in Buenos Aires.
1969: Ordained as a Jesuit priest.
1973: Completes his tertianship, the final stage of Jesuit formation and is appointed as Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina.
1980-1986: Serves as Rector of the Colegio de San José, as well as parish priest, in San Miguel.
1992: Appointed Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires.
1997: Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
1998: Succeeds as Archbishop of Buenos Aires following the death of Cardinal Quarracino.
2001: Elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
2005-2011: Serves as President of the Argentine Conference of Bishops for 2 consecutive terms.
2005: Participates in the papal conclave responsible for the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
2013: Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation, and Cardinal Bergoglio is elected Pope.
Hallmarks of Pope Francis’s Papacy
When he became Pope in 2013, Cardinal Bergoglio chose the papal name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, to honor the 13th century Catholic friar’s commitment to the poor. This became foundational to his life of service. Since his election, Pope Francis was known for his transformative approach to the papacy and quickly established himself as a Pope focused on social justice, environmental stewardship, and institutional reform.
His global impact no doubt a result of his perpetual advocacy for marginalized populations, his addressing climate change and his promotion of human fraternity. While widely praised for his humility, accessibility, and efforts to modernize certain church practices, his papacy also faced criticism from traditionalists uncomfortable with his reform agenda. Nevertheless, his emphasis on mercy over judgment and willingness to engage with contemporary social issues resonated with many Catholics and non-Catholics alike, making him one of the most recognized and influential global leaders of our time.
Pope Francis Tributes to Honor His Impact on the World
The Bradford Exchange is proud to offer a wide selection of religious gifts, including religious jewelry and keepsakes, designed to help reflect faith, hope and peace for those you love and for yourself. In keeping with this tradition, they are paying homage to the life and legacy of Pope Francis with memorial tributes that reflect his importance to the Catholic church and to the world. These collectible keepsakes and fine jewelry reflect the Pope’s enduring influence and his unstoppable mission of mercy, service and love. They serve as unique ways to keep his memory alive in your home and in your heart. Plus, a portion of your proceeds will be donated to Catholic Charities serving those in need in honor of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis Memorial Medallion Pendant Necklace
The “People’s Pope” had an extraordinary way of lifting up the world and providing healing balm for the planet. This handcrafted medallion pendant honors his legacy with a stirring image of the late Pontiff between 2 crosses. 18K gold plated accents surround Pope Francis in 2 gleaming rings while the back of the pendant is engraved with Papal Coat of Arms motto in both Latin and English. An uplifting way to keep his memory always close, this unisex necklace arrives with a keepsake card and gift box.
His Holiness Remembered: Pope Francis Portrait Figure
As the world mourns the passing of the first Jesuit Pope and the first from Latin America, Pope Francis’s life of service is devoutly honored with this collectible portrait figure. This remarkable masterpiece is sculpted by skilled artisans and painted by hand to capture his gentle spirit, and the beloved Pontiff is dressed in ceremonial vestments, created with fine fabric and golden embroidery. Holding his golden staff, the portrait figure stands atop a custom base with a brass-finished plaque in memoriam. This edition is limited to only 2,500 worldwide.
Pope Francis Memorial Proof Coin Collection
The landmark moments of a beloved Pope are celebrated for all time with this unique collection of commemorative Proofs. Each 99.9% silver-plated Proof coin features a full-color portraits of the Holy Father, depicting an important event from his life of service. 24K gold-plated Papal Emblem privy marks grace the fronts, below Pope Francis’s image, while the backs feature a sculpted image of St. Peter’s Basilica and “IN MEMORIAM 1936 – 2025”. The Proofs are protected within crystal-clear capsules and a custom display case is included with your collection.
St. Francis: The People’s Pope Memorial Wall Plaque
Pope Francis served with such empathy and compassion that the entire world took notice. This memorial wall plaque pays homage to the beloved Pope with a stirring full-color portrait against the golden sunrise of Vatican City, along with his simple yet profound message. Masterfully handcrafted with a metal art plate mounted to a handsome wooden plaque, this limited-edition tribute provides such an uplifting way to memorialize the revered Pontiff and his life of service in your home.
If you appreciated our tribute to Pope Francis, you might also be interested in reading our memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed in 2022:
The Life and Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
Thank you for reading our profile of Pope Francis. We hope you will consider bringing home a tribute to his incredible life of service. We also invite you to visit The Bradford Exchange again soon to explore all we have to offer. Have a blessed day!
The Life and Legacy of Pope Francis: 1936 - 2025 by The Bradford Exchange
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