Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to parents of Italian descent. He was elected as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. As the first pope to be a member of the Jesuit religious order, to come from Latin America, and to take the papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis made history. He continues to make history by breaking tradition with certain traditional customs that many of his predecessors followed.

Known for his humility, simplicity, concern for the poor, respect for the environment, and commitment to interfaith dialogue, Pope Francis is a positive role model and contemporary hero for all children. The world will watch in anticipation as he "rebuilds" the Catholic Church like Jesus summoned St. Francis to do.