francis

IPA/fɹˈansɪs/
KK[frˈænsəs]IPA/frˈænsəs/

francis — noun

1. The name taken by Jorge Mario Bergoglio (1936–2025) when he became the leader of

1.nounB1
Definition

The name taken by Jorge Mario Bergoglio (1936–2025) when he became the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, a position he kept until his death. He was the first pope from the Americas and the first to choose the name Francis.

Example

Many Catholics around the world respected Francis for his focus on helping the poor.

describes public perception of the pope

Francis chose to live in a simple guest house instead of the grand papal palace.

collocation: chose to [verb] + lifestyle contrast

Common collocations
  • the election of Francis
  • the visit of Francis
  • Francis' message
  • Francis' leadership
  • under Pope Francis
Synonyms
  • Pope Francis

    the full formal title, preferred in news headlines and official statements

  • the Pope

    a general title that could refer to any pope; context must already establish which one

  • the Holy Father

    a more formal and reverential title used mainly by Catholics

  • Bergoglio

    his family surname; used especially before 2013 or in discussions of his early life and career

Grammar Patterns

Francis / Pope Francis

Usage Note

When referring to this specific pope, 'Francis' is used without an article ('Francis said…'). 'Pope Francis' is the full formal title and is more common in official contexts. Do not confuse with 'Saint Francis of Assisi', a 13th-century saint who lived centuries earlier.

Common Mistakes

Saint Francis visited Brazil in 2013.
Pope Francis visited Brazil in 2013.
Saint Francis (of Assisi) died in 1226; Pope Francis was the living pope who visited Brazil.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These terms all refer to the same person but differ in formality and context. 'Pope Francis' is the standard neutral title used in news reporting and official documents — it is the safest choice for learners. 'Francis' alone is common in conversation and informal writing once the context is clear. 'The Pope' is a general title that can refer to any pope; use it only when the preceding sentences have already established which pope you mean. 'The Holy Father' is reverential and mostly used by Catholics in prayers, formal church statements, or devotional contexts — it sounds overly formal in everyday speech. 'Bergoglio' was his family name before becoming pope; it appears in biographical writing about his early life in Argentina but is unusual after 2013. For example: 'Pope Francis met with world leaders.' (neutral news style) vs. 'The Holy Father blessed the crowd.' (devotional context).

Pope Francisthe Popethe Holy FatherBergoglio

Common collocations

Nouns

  • Pope Francis
  • Francis' teaching
  • Francis' legacy
  • the election of Francis

Phrases

  • under Pope Francis
  • during the time of Francis

Prepositions

  • of Francis

Etymology

ItalianLatinEnglish

The name 'Francis' was chosen by Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio upon his election as pope in 2013. He selected it in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), the Italian Catholic saint known for his humility, love of the poor, and care for nature. This was the first time in history that a pope had taken the name Francis. The name itself comes from the Italian 'Francesco', meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free one'.