When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was 12, he developed a crush on a girl called Amalia. Pope Francis, who has died aged 88, was the first non-European to be elected to his office in 13 centuries. A Jesuit from Argentina, Francis was also the most liberal, the most political and the most controversial of modern popes. As Pope, Francis met a string of famous people, politicians and celebrities from around the world. By now 76, the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires soon emerged as the clear favourite.

Source: The Times April 21, 2025 11:18 UTC