saint peter's with a humble bow to the faithful and praying the our father few expected a pope who would so radically transform the face of the papacy and the spirit of catholics around the world the first latin american pope jorge mario Bergoglio. He grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the son of an Italian immigrant. Despite an early setback as a teenager, an infection that claimed part of his lung, this was a young man full of life with a passion for philosophy, wine, and dancing to tango. But ultimately, Bergoglio couldn't resist the call from above, becoming a priest at 32, rising through the church hierarchy while shunning its trappings. As a cardinal, he sold off the church mansion, cooked his own meals, and rode the subway while helping the poor. So it only seemed fitting that the new pope would take his name from St. Francis of Assisi, who dedicated his life to caring for the poor. Catholics now also had their first Jesuit pope and order of priests devoted to service for the greater glory of God. Gone were the fancy robes and designer shoes. This pope carried his own bags, paid his own bills, and drove a beat-up car. He chose a modest guest house over the lavish papal apartment. And Pope Francis brought change from the start, alienating some Catholics, but inspiring more.