Pope Francis

On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, Jorge Bergoglio was named the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Francis, he is the first pope from the Americas, the first non-European and first Jesuit priest to be named pope. In Their Own Words delves deeper into his story, revealing the experiences and influences in his life that led him to the highest office in the Catholic church.

Upon leaving to meet up with his soon-to-be girlfriend, a young Jorge Bergoglio stops inside a church where he undergoes a transformative experience, one that leads him on a path to faith. Much to the dismay of his own mother, Jorge enters himself into the Society of Jesus, determined to fulfill his lifelong duty to religious service.

See Pope Francis' response to the Church's cover up of thousands of priests who abused children, and how many advocates today are now calling on Pope Francis to do more to protect survivors.