10 Things You Should Know About Late Pope Francis

In the early hours of Monday, April 21, 2025, the world bid farewell to a beloved and transformational figure, Pope Francis. Known for his humility, progressive voice, and strong connection to the people, he leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond the walls of the Vatican. 

Here are ten things to remember about the man the world came to know as the people’s Pope.

He truly was ‘The People’s Pope’

Pope Francis wasn’t just a leader of the Catholic Church; he was someone who lived among his people, touched lives across religious and political lines, and redefined what it meant to be a pope in the modern age. 

He visited the poor, blessed children, showed up for the sick, and pushed for peace in war-torn regions. In 2013, Time magazine named him Person of the Year, a first for any pope because of his humanity and global influence.

He lived most of his life with one lung

Few people knew that Pope Francis had been living with just one lung since his teenage years. A severe respiratory infection had led to the surgical removal of part of his lung. But that didn’t slow him down, he carried on with an energy and vitality that inspired millions around the world.

He embraced social media

In an age where many world leaders struggle with digital relevance, Pope Francis embraced social media as a tool for connection. His Twitter accounts, operated in multiple languages, amassed over 53 million followers. 

On Instagram, he attracted nearly 9 million more. His posts were a mix of prayers, reflections, and encouragement, all showing a deep desire to stay in touch with the world.

Voice for women in the church

Though the Catholic Church has long faced criticism over gender roles, Pope Francis worked to shift the culture. He appointed women to high-ranking Vatican positions and consistently pushed for more inclusion in church governance. Over the years, the number of women working at the Vatican rose significantly under his leadership.

Simplicity over privilege

Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Francis declined the luxury papal apartments. Instead, he chose a modest two-room space inside the Vatican guesthouse. His simple lifestyle extended beyond housing, he was known to slip out of the Vatican unannounced to meet everyday people and offer help quietly, without ceremony.

He rejected the traditional papal attire

When he became pope, Francis broke yet another tradition. Rather than wear the ornate red shoes, gold cross, and velvet robes associated with the papacy, he kept his plain silver cross and worn-out black shoes. These small gestures echoed his belief: the Church should serve, not dominate.

He was a teacher before be became a Pope

Long before the papal crown, Francis was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a teacher of literature and psychology in Argentina. He taught at multiple schools and went on to earn a doctorate in theology. His academic background helped shape his deeply thoughtful approach to leadership and faith.

He had a passion for Tango

Yes, Pope Francis could dance! Raised in Buenos Aires, he was a lover of the tango and even admitted in a 2010 interview that the dance “comes from deep within” him. This love for the arts was a reflection of his roots and his openness to culture and joy.

He worked ordinary jobs before the church

Before rising to the top of the Catholic hierarchy, Francis held down regular jobs like any young person trying to find their path. He worked as a nightclub bouncer, a janitor, and even in a chemical lab. These early experiences grounded him in real-life struggles and helped him connect with people across all walks of life.

He nearly became Pope in 2005

When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, Jorge Bergoglio came close to being chosen. He reportedly finished second in the conclave vote. But it wasn’t until Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013 that Bergoglio became the 266th pope, and the first ever from Latin America, the Jesuit order, and the Southern Hemisphere.