Pope Francis
Jorge Mario Bergoglio (1936 - 2025), now called Pope Francis by Roman Catholics, became the Pope in 2013 and remained in this role until his death in 2025.
Unlike some of his predecessors, he was less tied to the rigid traditions and formalism that have long characterized Roman Catholicism. His emphasis on humility, care for the poor, and mercy over strict adherence to dogma made a move toward a more Christ-like posture.
He was also commended for his commitment to religious discourse, especially within Christianity but also with other religions such as Islam and eastern traditions.
In 2015, he attended a Waldensian church in northern Italy to apologise for the brutal massacres by Roman Catholic crusaders that were carried out on the exact site he visited.
Predecessor as Pope: Pope Benedict XVI
Successor as Pope: Pope Leo XIV
