Holy card of Pope Francis with medal | Yellow

Holy card of Pope Francis with medal

• Catholic holy card dedicated to Pope Francis.
• 8.5 cm (3.35 in) wide × 5.5 cm (2.17 in) high.
• Plastic-laminated for greater resistance and durability.
• Catholic holy card printed double-sided.
• Front side decorated with:
  • Image of Pope Francis greeting the faithful with the façade of Saint Peter's Basilica in the background.
  • Text in Spanish with the phrase "Pope Francis. Pray for us".
• Back side:
  • Text of the first greeting from the balcony after his election.
  • Phrase that Saint Mary said to Saint Catherine Labouré when she showed the design of the Miraculous Medal.
• Incorporated silver-plated brass medal:
  • Front with image of the Miraculous Virgin.
  • Back with anagram of the Virgin Mary.

Images of the holy card | The first greeting from the balcony of Saint Peter

After the election, the new Pontiff usually goes through the so-called Room of Tears to vest in the white cassock and gather himself briefly in prayer. Afterwards, the cardinal protodeacon announces the "Habemus Papam" and the Pope appears at the central balcony.

On 13 March 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope and took the name Francis. In his first public appearance, he asked simply that they pray for him before imparting the Urbi et Orbi blessing.

Brothers and sisters, good evening…
Do you know that the duty of the conclave was to give a bishop to Rome…?
… And now we begin this journey: bishop and people…
Let us always pray for ourselves… so that there may be a great fraternity.

Expanded biography of Pope Francis

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires (Argentina), into a family of Italian origin. Before entering Catholic life he trained as a chemical technician, and in his youth he developed a vocation marked by simplicity, prayer, and the desire to serve.

In 1958 he entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). He undertook studies in the humanities, philosophy, and theology, and he also worked as a teacher, an experience that influenced his approachable and pedagogical style. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and, over the years, assumed responsibilities of formation and governance within the Society: among them, the post of provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina (1973–1979), a demanding period that consolidated his profile as a pastor and his capacity for discernment.

His path towards the episcopate began in 1992, when he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires.

In 1998 he became archbishop of the same archdiocese and developed a very visible pastoral ministry in the parishes, neighbourhoods, and the most vulnerable social realities.

In 2001 he was created cardinal. He became known for a sober and direct lifestyle: he preferred simple dealings, closeness to people, and a spirituality centred on mercy.

On 13 March 2013 he was elected Pope and took the name Francis.

He began the pontificate at 76 years of age and his first public intervention already left a characteristic feature: he asked the faithful to pray for him, underlining the idea of walking together as the people of God.

As Pope, his figure has been associated with the call to a more missionary and close Church, with special attention to charity, fraternity, and the care of the weakest.

Death of Pope Francis

On Monday 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday), Pope Francis died at 07:35 in his residence at the Casa de Santa Marta, in Vatican City, at 88 years of age. The Holy See reported that the cause was a stroke that led to coma and to an irreversible cardiovascular collapse.

That same day, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo, officially communicated the news by means of a message from the Casa de Santa Marta.

One day earlier, on Easter Sunday, he had made his last public appearance, leaving the image of a pastor who, until the end, wanted to be close to the people of God.

Burial and funeral

The funeral was celebrated on 26 April 2025 in Saint Peter's Square.

Following his desire for sobriety, Francis asked for a simple farewell and arranged to be buried in Rome, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in a gesture that underlined his special Marian devotion.

After the funeral Mass, his body was transferred for burial in that basilica.

Key dates in the Catholic life of Pope Francis

• 1936: Born in Buenos Aires.
• 1958: Enters the Society of Jesus.
• 1969: Priestly ordination.
• 1973–1979: Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina.
• 1992: Auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires.
• 1998: Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
• 2001: Created cardinal.
• 2013 (13 March): Elected Pope (Francis).
• 2025 (21 April): Dies in the Casa de Santa Marta (Vatican).
• 2025 (26 April): Funeral in Saint Peter's and burial in Saint Mary Major (Rome).