If you’re looking for a quick answer to how old is Pope Francis now, the reality is a bit more somber than a simple number on a birthday card. As of early 2026, the world is reflecting on his life rather than counting his current years. Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025. He was 88 years old.
He didn't quite make it to his 89th birthday, which would have been in December of 2025. It’s kinda wild to think about how much he packed into those 88 years. From a chemist in Argentina to the first Jesuit pope, his timeline is basically a masterclass in breaking the mold. Honestly, the way he lived right up until the end—even working from a hospital bed—says a lot about the guy.
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The Timeline of a Radical Life
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936. Growing up in Buenos Aires, he wasn't always the "Holy Father." He was just a kid from an immigrant family. His dad was an accountant for the railways, and his mom was a stay-at-home parent.
Most people don't know he actually has a diploma as a chemical technician. Yeah, he was a man of science before he was a man of the cloth.
- 1936: Born in Flores, Buenos Aires.
- 1958: Joined the Jesuits (Society of Jesus).
- 1969: Ordained as a priest.
- 2013: Elected Pope at age 76.
- 2025: Died at age 88.
By the time he was elected in 2013, he was already 76. Most people are well into retirement by then, but he was just starting the biggest job on the planet. He took the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, because he wanted a "poor church for the poor."
Understanding the Final Year and Age 88
When people ask how old is Pope Francis now, they’re often thinking about the massive health battles he fought toward the end. 2025 was a tough one for the Vatican.
In February 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital. What started as bronchitis turned into double pneumonia. It was a rollercoaster. One week he was reportedly "suffering more than yesterday," and the next, he was sitting in an armchair having breakfast and signing decrees for new bishops.
He actually marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy from a hospital room. He had a cake with his medical team. Even with high-flow oxygen tubes in his nose, he was still trying to keep the wheels of the Church turning. He eventually made it back to the Vatican, but the strain on his 88-year-old body was immense. He died on Easter Monday, just a day after making a brief appearance to give his Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Why His Age Mattered So Much
Age wasn't just a number for Francis; it was a lens through which he saw the world. He often spoke about the "wisdom of the elderly" and how modern society tends to throw old people away like "scrap."
He lived in a small guest house (Santa Marta) instead of the fancy Apostolic Palace. He drove a Ford Focus. He basically spent his 80s trying to prove that you don't need a golden throne to have authority.
But his age also limited him. By the end, he was using a wheelchair and struggling with a knee injury that just wouldn't quit. He had a part of his lung removed when he was a young man, which made every respiratory infection a major life-or-death situation.
The Legacy Left Behind at 88
Pope Francis didn't just sit around in his later years. He was the king of the "firsts."
- First Pope from the Americas (Argentina).
- First Jesuit Pope.
- First Pope to take the name Francis.
- First Pope to succeed a living predecessor (Benedict XVI) in centuries.
He pushed hard on climate change with his letter Laudato Si'. He tried to make the Church more "synodal," which is basically a fancy way of saying he wanted people to talk to each other more. He wasn't afraid of a little controversy, either. Whether it was his stance on the environment or reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community, he kept people talking.
Now, in 2026, the Church has moved on to a new chapter with Pope Leo XIV. But the footprint Francis left is huge. You can't really talk about the modern papacy without talking about how he spent those final years—stubbornly staying in the mix even when his health was failing.
Actionable Takeaways for the Curious
If you're digging into the history of Pope Francis or want to understand his impact better, here are a few things you can actually do:
- Read "Laudato Si'": If you want to see his "expert" side, this is it. It’s not just religious; it’s a deep dive into how humans are treating the planet.
- Check out the 2025 Jubilee Records: 2025 was a "Holy Year." Even though Francis passed away during it, the events he set in motion brought 33 million people to Rome.
- Watch the Documentary "A Man of His Word": It gives a great visual of him in his late 70s and 80s, showing that "grandpa" energy that made him so popular.
- Visit Santa Maria Maggiore: If you're ever in Rome, go here. This is where he chose to be buried, breaking the tradition of being buried in St. Peter's Basilica. He wanted to be near the people.
Understanding how old is Pope Francis now means recognizing that while he is no longer with us, the 88 years he spent on Earth changed the trajectory of one of the world's oldest institutions. He was a man of his time, and he used every bit of that time to shake things up.