When Did Pope Francis Become Pope? Your Quick Guide
When did the world welcome the 266th successor of Saint Peter? The papacy of Pope Francis, marked by his humility, compassion, and groundbreaking initiatives, commenced on March 13, 2013, forever changing the landscape of the Catholic Church.
On that historic day, the world watched with bated breath as the newly elected pontiff emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. It was a moment steeped in tradition and symbolism, a visual confirmation of the transition of power within the heart of the Catholic Church. The announcement of his name, Francis, was met with both surprise and anticipation. This was a name never before used by a pope, immediately setting him apart and signaling a shift in the papacy.
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024, at the Vatican City |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Known For | Humility, compassion, focus on social justice, outreach to the poor and marginalized, authoring "Hope" |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal (2001), Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina (1973-1979) |
| Reference Website | Vatican News |
His election, occurring after the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, signaled a significant moment in papal history. The surprise departure of Benedict XVI, the first pope to resign in centuries, paved the way for the election of Francis, who would become the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. This transition underscored the dynamic nature of the papacy and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
While the exact circumstances surrounding his passing remain undisclosed by the Vatican, Pope Francis's impact on the global stage was undeniable. His papacy, spanning over a decade, was marked by a profound commitment to social justice, environmental concerns, and a renewed emphasis on the needs of the poor and marginalized. His papacy, one of the longest in recent centuries, left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
The name "Francis" itself was a conscious choice, a deliberate homage to Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor and a symbol of humility and simplicity. This decision immediately framed his papacy, signaling a clear intention to embody these values. As the first pope from the Americas, and specifically from South America, his election was a watershed moment, reflecting the growing diversity of the Catholic Church. This geographical shift brought new perspectives and experiences to the papacy, influencing its global reach and relevance.
The legacy of Pope Francis is also defined by his willingness to engage with contemporary issues. He became the first reigning pontiff to author and release a memoir, "Hope," which provided an intimate glimpse into his life and pontificate. Furthermore, his focus on dialogue with other faiths and his efforts to address the climate crisis, through initiatives such as the encyclical "Laudato Si'," demonstrated his commitment to tackling the pressing challenges of the modern world.
His health challenges, including chronic lung disease and the removal of part of one lung in his youth, sometimes impacted his ability to fully participate in public events. Despite this, Pope Francis continued to travel extensively, visiting numerous countries and engaging with diverse communities. A particularly notable moment was when he became the first pope to celebrate mass on the Arabian Peninsula, held at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi and attended by over 120,000 people, which highlights his dedication to fostering interreligious dialogue.
Beyond the ceremonial and symbolic aspects of his role, Pope Francis made concerted efforts to reform the Church. In 2023, he convened the synod on synodality, a significant event described as the most important gathering since the Second Vatican Council. This process was intended to foster greater collaboration and participation within the Church, addressing contemporary issues and challenges. Pope Francis hoped to make the church more forgiving and welcoming toward the poor.
His words, particularly the simple yet profound statement, "\u2018my people are poor and I am one of them,\u2019" resonated deeply with many and encapsulated his dedication to the marginalized. His approachability, humility, and the emphasis on compassion were central tenets of his pontificate. He consistently challenged the Church to become more inclusive, welcoming, and attentive to the needs of all people.
His impact extended far beyond the confines of the Vatican. His efforts to address social inequalities, promote dialogue, and champion environmental causes inspired countless individuals and organizations. His papacy will be remembered not only for the reforms he initiated but also for the genuine care and concern he showed for humanity.
The announcement of his death on April 21, 2024, was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo. The news brought widespread expressions of grief and reflections on his legacy. Pope Francis's death marked the end of a pontificate characterized by remarkable pastoral care, a forward-thinking vision, and a deep commitment to making the Church a more inclusive and just institution. He served as the 266th Bishop of Rome.
The world continues to grapple with the loss of a leader who, in many ways, redefined the role of the papacy for the 21st century. His teachings, actions, and the values he embodied have left an enduring impact on the Catholic Church and the world at large. His papacy represented an era of profound change, marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the service of others.
When Pope Francis was elected, he became the first Latin American pope. On March 13, 2013, he was elected as the 266th pope. Pope Francis took on the role on February, 28, 2013, following the resignation of pope benedict xvi. He was pope for more than 12 years. When pope francis took on the name francis, he did this in honour of saint francis of assisi and became the first pope from southern america. Francis suffered from chronic lung disease. From 1973 to 1979, he was argentina's provincial superior of the society of jesus, before becoming the archbishop of buenos aires in 1998. In 2001, he was made a cardinal by pope john paul ii. Bergoglio was selected to become pope in 2013 when pope benedict xvi resigned. To honor nature and the poor, he picked the name francis. Pope francis hoped to make the church more forgiving and welcoming toward the poor.
Pope Francis, a name synonymous with humility and social justice, his passing is a moment of reflection and remembrance. His legacy is one of profound change, inspiring both Catholics and individuals of all faiths to embrace values such as compassion, empathy, and service to others. His papacy, lasting more than a decade, will be forever etched in history as a period of transformation for the Catholic Church and a beacon of hope for the world.
Who will be the next Pope? We could see the first black or Asian
Pope Francis was a card carrying soccer fan
Did you notice how Pope Francis became a completely different person?
