Thank you for your service to God, his Church, and humanity, dear Pope Francis. Here are 10 facts you may need to know about him.
1. Pope Francis died at 88 years old, born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina and died on Easter Monday April 21 2025.
2. He chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and care for the poor.
3. Before becoming Pope, he studied chemistry and worked various jobs, including as a bouncer in a nightclub and a janitor.
4. Pope Francis had only one lung, having lost part of it due to a respiratory infection in his youth.
5. He’s known for living modestly, refusing luxurious attire, and opting for a simple silver cross. He also lived in a guest house all through his papacy and not the official Papal residence.
6. Pope Francis had over 60 million followers across X and IG.
7. He’s a vocal advocate for environmental protection, urging action on climate change.
8. Pope Francis promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding among different religious communities. He was very vocal regarding the marginalisation of certain people in society.
9. He’s implemented reforms within the Vatican, including financial transparency and accountability measures.
10. Pope Francis enjoyed cooking, particularly paella, and was a fan of football, supporting the San Lorenzo football team.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
By Martin Beck Nworah
He died at age 88 on early hours of Easter period.