Former chemist who discovered the formula for a more compassionate Catholicism

Pope Francis, who has died aged 88, softened the Church's stance on controversial issues like the death penalty, same-sex marriages and divorce... all while campaigning on behalf of the poor

- By Kat Hopps and Matt Nixson

AS THE first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church in 1,300 years, a trained chemist and former night-club bouncer whose liberal leanings riled conservative members of the Papacy, Pope Francis I sometimes found himself at odds with his cardinals.

The pontiff, who died aged 88 yesterday just hours after emerging from his convalescence to bless the thousands of people in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, said he wanted "a Church which is poor and for the poor" following his election.

Even his name Francis, in honour of St Francis of Assisi, was inspired by a Brazilian colleague who whispered in his ear "don't forget the poor" when it was announced Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been appointed head of the Catholic Church.

Before his election on March 13, 2013, reportedly during the fifth ballot of the Conclave, he had been a cardinal since 2001, living in a modest apartment rather than his official residence and taking public transport in lieu of an official limousine.

He was also the first Pope from the Jesuit order, which has been the greatest missionary force for Catholicism across the world since the 16th century, when he was inaugurated on March 19, 2013. His informality and charm won many admirers, though he was undoubtedly the most liberal and overtly political of the modern popes.

Yet despite his popularity among ordinary people, the Pope, whose death came weeks after he was discharged from hospital having battled a life-threatening case of pneumonia, often inspired frustration within the Vatican where he was sometimes perceived as a progressive who abrogated the Church's clear moral doctrines.