December 17, 1936
Jorge Mario Bergoglio is born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents.

1957
Falls severely sick of pneumonia at age 21 and his right lung is partially removed.

March 11, 1958
Enters the novitiate of the Society of Jesus.

March 12, 1960
Takes his first vows as Jesuit.

1961 – 1963
Studies philosophy at San Miguel Seminary in Buenos Aires.

December 13, 1969
Ordained a priest.

1973
Professes his perpetual vows as a Jesuit.

1973 – 1979
Serves as superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina and Uruguay.

1979 – 1985
Serves as theology teacher and rector of Colegio Maximo.

1986
Finishes his doctoral thesis in Germany.

June 27, 1992
Ordained an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires.

June 3, 1997
Named coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires.

February 28, 1998
Installed as the archbishop of Buenos Aires.

February 21, 2001
Elevated to a cardinal.

April 2005
Participates in the conclave that elects Pope Benedict XVI.

September 2009
Launches a solidarity campaign for the 200th anniversary of the independence of Argentina with the goal of creating 200 charitable agencies by 2016.