Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he graduated as a chemical technician before training for the priesthood. He became a Jesuit novice in 1958 and a priest in 1969. Thereafter he served as Jesuit Provincial Superior for Argentina (1973–79), an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires (1992–98), and Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998–2013). Theologically conservative, he became a strong advocate of the poor and gained a reputation for humility and simplicity. He was elected Pope (2013) following Benedict XVI’s resignation. He immediately emphasized spiritual renewal and the problems of the poor, and spurned tradition to adopt a simple lifestyle. Francis is the first South American and the first Jesuit to become Pope, and the first non-European for almost 1300 years.