Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born 1936, pope since 2013. The first Jesuit pope and first from the Americas. He emphasizes mercy, poverty, and pastoral outreach; his encyclicals Laudato Si' (2015) and Laudato Deum (2023) address climate change and ecological destruction. He has called for dialogue on controversial issues including divorced Catholics, LGBT inclusion, and priestly celibacy, while staying within doctrinal limits. His pontificate has been marked by tensions between reformist and conservative wings of the Church.
- Lived: 1936 CE – ?
- Nationality: argentinian
- Roles: Pope, Cleric
