Pope Francis (1936-2025) — who surprised the world long before his papacy by checking IDs as a Buenos Aires bouncer — died on 21 April 2025. As tributes pour in from around the globe, the story of his unlikely job reveals how these humble beginnings shaped the beloved pontiff who led over 1 billion Catholics worldwide.
Remembering Pope Francis: Key Facts of His Life and 2025 Passing
In Memoriam
Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest at his residence in Domus Sanctae Marthae. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before a funeral Mass on 26 April 2025. Following his wishes, he will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. The College of Cardinals will enter conclave on 7 May 2025 to elect his successor.
Before becoming the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis lived a much simpler life in Argentina. In fact, he held an unusual job for a future pope – he worked as a bouncer at a nightclub in the working-class Flores district of Buenos Aires.
Pope Francis’ Early Jobs in Buenos Aires
Long before he was known as the “People’s Pope,” Jorge Bergoglio was a typical young man trying to support himself in Buenos Aires. He didn’t grow up with much money and needed to work odd jobs to pay for his studies.
The Nightclub Bouncer Gig in the Flores District
During a parish visit to San Cirillo Alessandrino in Rome on December 1, 2013, Francis revealed to surprised parishioners that he once worked as a nightclub bouncer. He worked the door of small bars in Buenos Aires’ working-class Flores district to earn tuition money in his late teens.
“I used to kick trouble-makers out of clubs; now I try to lead them back into the Church,” Pope Francis told the congregation on that December day.
This down-to-earth experience likely helped shape his compassionate worldview. As pope, Francis became known for advocating on behalf of the poor and vulnerable.
Janitor, Chem-Lab Technician, Literature Teacher
Pope Francis held several other jobs before entering the seminary:
- Janitor sweeping factory floors
- Chemical laboratory technician
- Literature teacher
- Psychology teacher
These humble jobs taught him what he later called “the common touch” and the importance of listening without prejudice. His early life also included a love for tango dancing and supporting the San Lorenzo soccer team — cultural touchstones of Buenos Aires life that kept him connected to ordinary people.
How Kicking Out Troublemakers Shaped His Pastoral Style
His background differed drastically from recent popes who came from academic backgrounds. Pope Benedict XVI, for instance, was an esteemed theologian and professor in Germany before ascending to the papacy.
Bergoglio’s life took a completely different path. He was born in 1936 to a working-class railroad family. To help make ends meet, he took menial jobs like sweeping floors and working in a chemical laboratory. These were the humble beginnings of a man who would become pope to over 1 billion Catholics worldwide.
Francis later said these early experiences taught him “the common touch” and shaped his pastoral approach. His unusual past gave him unique insights into everyday struggles and helped him connect with people from all walks of life. The skills he learned keeping order at a club entrance translated into a different kind of pastoral care — one focused on bringing people back to faith rather than excluding them.
Election After Benedict’s 2013 Resignation
In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI broke with 600 years of tradition when he became the first pope to resign voluntarily since 1415, citing declining mental and physical health.
The unprecedented move set the stage for the conclave of cardinals to elect Cardinal Bergoglio as pope. At 76 years old, Francis was considered relatively old for a new pope. But he brought renewed energy and a more progressive vision to the church after replacing the scholarly Benedict.
Legacy of Humility: Public Transit, Simple Apartment, Bold Social Justice
From the start, Pope Francis diverged from Benedict’s more formal and reserved style. He declined the luxurious papal apartment and private limousine, preferring a modest hotel room and public transportation. This aligned with his focus on serving the poor and leading the church with humility and simplicity.
Francis championed refugees, pushed for action on climate change, and sought to make the church more welcoming to marginalized groups. His pastoral style aimed to help everyday people connect with their faith.
While some traditional Catholics criticized his progressive stances, he maintained widespread popularity, especially with young people drawn to his authenticity. For many, Francis exemplified what a modern pope should be – a humble, caring leader in touch with ordinary folks.
What Happens Next? 2025 Conclave Explained
Following Pope Francis’ death, the Catholic Church now prepares for a conclave to elect his successor. The College of Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel beginning May 7, 2025, to select the next pope through their traditional secret ballot process.
Leading candidates include Cardinals Parolin and Erdo, though conclaves often produce surprising results. The world watches to see if the next pontiff will continue Francis’ legacy of humble leadership and social justice or chart a different course for the Church.
Learn more about How a Papal Conclave Works
Frequently Asked Questions About Pope Francis’ Early Life
Was Pope Francis really a nightclub bouncer?
Yes. In a December 1, 2013 talk at San Cirillo Alessandrino parish in Rome, he revealed he worked security at Buenos Aires bars while studying chemistry in his late teens.
Why did Pope Francis work such jobs?
He came from a working-class family and needed income to support his studies, which helped shape his empathy for ordinary workers throughout his papacy.
What other jobs did Pope Francis have before priesthood?
Before becoming a priest, Jorge Bergoglio worked as a janitor, chemical laboratory technician, and teacher of literature and psychology.
When did Pope Francis die?
Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, in Rome, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. His funeral will be held on April 26, 2025.
Who will succeed Pope Francis?
The College of Cardinals will convene on May 7, 2025, to elect his successor; current front-runners include Cardinals Parolin and Erdo.
It seems his past struggles and unassuming jobs helped shape his mindset. Francis learned early the meaning of hard work, empathy, and service to the community – values that defined his papacy until his death in 2025. The unexpected nightclub bouncer found his higher calling as the People’s Pope, leaving behind a legacy of humility and compassion that will long be remembered.
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