Pope Francis

Pope Francis is the current pope of the Roman Catholic Church, having assumed office on March 13, 2013. His birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and he is the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, specifically hailing from Argentina. He is notable for his focus on humility, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of addressing modern issues such as poverty, climate change, and migration, as well as advocating for a more inclusive Church that engages with contemporary society. His papacy has been characterized by a more pastoral approach, often encouraging compassion and outreach to marginalized groups. He is also known for his calls to reform aspects of the Church, address clericalism, and promote transparency within the Vatican. Overall, Pope Francis symbolizes a shift towards a more progressive and globally conscious Catholic Church leadership.