Just a few years later, he assumed significant responsibilities within the Jesuit Order. From 1973 to 1979, he served as Provincial of the Argentine Jesuits and led the Order during an extremely difficult political period marked by military dictatorship. Within three years, he was first appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires and then made a cardinal. In this role, he became known for his simple lifestyle: He declined to live in the archbishop’s residence, lived in a modest apartment, frequently used public transportation, and deliberately sought out the city’s poor neighborhoods. He was regarded as a humble man of the Church who consciously forwent many privileges, preferred direct contact with the people, and prioritized pastoral work over ceremonial duties. Many of his later decisions as pope reflect the experiences he gained in Argentina through direct contact with the people.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was elected pope in March 2013 after a two-day conclave. Even in the first days of his pontificate, Francis made it clear what his priorities would be. He dispensed with some traditional forms of papal representation and deliberately presented himself in a simple manner. By choosing the name Francis, he drew a connection to St. Francis of Assisi, who stands for poverty, peace, and responsibility. This name came to define his ministry. His focus was on mercy, compassion, and responsibility for the most vulnerable members of society. Francis repeatedly emphasized that the Church must be open, welcoming, and oriented toward people. He often spoke of the need for the Church to “go to the peripheries”—to those living in poverty, who are marginalized, or who have drifted away from the Church. 

A major priority of his pontificate was the renewal of the Church. He initiated reforms in the Vatican’s administration, strengthened measures for greater transparency in financial structures, and promoted greater participation by local churches in decision-making processes. He also sought to ensure a more thorough investigation of cases of sexual abuse within the Church. He introduced new canonical regulations, tightened procedures against perpetrators, and strengthened the accountability of bishops in handling cases of abuse. The effectiveness of these measures is still viewed differently today and remains the subject of public and ecclesiastical debate. 

Interfaith dialogue also played an important role for him. Francis met with representatives of various faith communities and advocated for mutual respect as well as joint efforts in support of peace and human dignity. 

Pope Francis died in 2025. His pontificate remains associated above all with his commitment to a Church that turns toward the people and confronts the social, ecological, and humanitarian challenges of the present. His legacy lies in his emphasis on mercy, solidarity, and responsibility. He viewed the Church as a community that should build bridges, foster dialogue, and, above all, give hope to the disadvantaged. With his simple lifestyle and his commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of creation, Francis left a lasting mark on the image of the papacy in the 21st century. 

His 50-euro coin reflects his values; he deliberately avoids ornate designs. It was issued in 2016, the Year of Mercy, and thus embodies his values. He has himself depicted from the front, wearing a simple robe, facing the viewer and adorned only with his cross necklace, demonstrating his closeness to the people. The reverse side features an image of St. Peter’s Basilica, which welcomes every person with the mercy of God—a mercy that Pope Francis I sought to embody. Take this opportunity to acquire a coin from the Holy Year and, through it, experience a piece of Pope Francis I’s mercy.