From nightclub bouncer to attaining priesthood: Pope Francis' early life, family, and remarkable journey

Just a day after extending Easter greetings, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, 2025. The news of his death was shared by Vatican News. "Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta," a statement read on their official website.
After being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on February 18 and suffering from prolonged illness, Pope Francis passed away in the morning of April 21. Announcing the news of his death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, said, as reported by Vatican News, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Read on to know more about Pope Francis's early life and remarkable journey-- from working as a nightclub bouncer to becoming the first Latin American Pope and first Jesuit.

Early life and familyBefore embracing priesthood and adopting the name Francis, Pope Francis' was named Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and he was Mario Jose Bergoglio and Regina Maria Sivori's first child. His father Mario was an accountant from Italy, while his mother was the daughter of Italian immigrants; Jorge Mario Bergoglio had four siblings.
On 13 December 1969, he was ordained a priest within the Jesuit religious order. He would go on to lead the order in Argentina as provincial superior during the country's brutal dictatorship in the 1970s.
From nightclub bouncer to becoming a priestYes, you read that right! Before becoming Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio worked several odd jobs. This included: working as a nightclub bouncer, a janitor, and a chemical technician, as per reports.
Long before rising to lead the Catholic Church, Pope Francis held a variety of humble jobs. Speaking at a church in Rome in 2013, he had recalled sweeping floors, working in a chemical laboratory, teaching at a high school, and even acting as a bouncer at clubs to deal with unruly patrons, as per reports.

However, Pope Francis didn't shared details about his time working as a bouncer or how those experiences shaped his leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. Instead, he focused on how his later work — teaching literature and psychology — "taught him how to get people back into the church", Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano reported.
Pope Francis had also studied chemistry and earned a technical diploma in the field, before becoming a priest. But what caused a change of his heart and made him pursue spirituality? Talking about it, he once shared that a life-changing confession with a priest he had never met before, changed his life forever and he discovered his calling to the priesthood.
A Pope of many firstsA figure of many firsts, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, and the first to adopt the name Francis — inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved friar known for his devotion to the poor and marginalized.
Before his historic election to the papacy in 2013, he served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires under his given name, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. His choice of the name ‘Francis’ symbolized a commitment to humility, compassion, and service.
Pope Francis was also the first non-European pope in centuries, following in the footsteps of Syria’s Gregory III, who led the Church from 731 to 741.

Pope Francis' last public address was on on Easter (April 20, 2025) a day before his death. He had conveyed a Easter message, in which he reiterated his comment for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
As a mark of respect for Pope Francis, US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Monday ordering US flags to be flown at half-staff, reported AFP. Trump will also attend Pope Francis' funeral, as per reports. Meanwhile, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has also said that a three days state mourning will be observed in the country, as a mark of respect for Pope Francis' death.
Argentina’s football association also suspended all matches on Monday to honor the passing of Pope Francis, who was a devoted football enthusiast and lifelong supporter of Buenos Aires' San Lorenzo club. A minute’s silence will be observed at all games throughout the week.