Pope Francis: When Did He Become Pope? All You Need To Know
Could a man of the people, from a continent far removed from the traditional centers of papal power, truly reshape the papacy? Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, not only answered this question with a resounding yes, but also redefined the role through his humility, approachability, and unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis's journey to the papacy was as unexpected as the impact he would have on the global stage. He was elected on March 13, 2013, a date that marked a turning point for the Catholic Church in several significant ways.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Education | Master's degree in chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires. |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination | Ordained as a priest in 1969 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 2013 |
| Cardinal | Created a Cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Death | April 2025 (The Vatican has not shared the official cause of death) |
| Legacy | First Pope from the Americas, First Jesuit Pope, known for his humility, focus on social justice, and efforts to reform the Church. |
| Reference | Vatican Official Website |
His election was particularly noteworthy because he was the first pope from the Americas, the first from the "New World," and the first Jesuit pope. This combination of firsts signaled a shift in the Church's global perspective and a commitment to embracing a wider range of experiences and viewpoints. Bergoglios selection as the 266th pontiff followed the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down in February 2013.
Pope Francis's choice of name, Francis, was a deliberate homage to Saint Francis of Assisi, a figure renowned for his dedication to the poor and his love of nature. This choice was a clear indication of the direction in which the new pope intended to steer the Church: towards greater compassion, humility, and a focus on those on the margins of society. The themes that came to define his papacymercy, inclusion, and a commitment to social justicewere immediately apparent.
The circumstances of his election were as significant as the man himself. He was elected by a conclave of 115 people, a gathering of cardinals from around the world tasked with choosing the next leader of the Catholic Church. The process culminated on March 13, 2013, with Bergoglios selection, after which he took on the name Francis.
One of the most striking aspects of Francis's papacy has been his emphasis on reaching out to the poor and vulnerable. His famous declaration, "My people are poor and I am one of them," encapsulated his deep understanding and empathy for those struggling with poverty and injustice. This was a recurring theme throughout his pontificate, and it shaped his policies, his actions, and his public statements.
The impact of Pope Francis extended beyond the Vatican walls and touched people across the globe. He became the first pope to celebrate Mass on the Arabian Peninsula, a historic event held at the Zayed Sports City Stadium and attended by over 120,000 people. His outreach efforts were not limited to any single region. In October 2023, he convened the beginnings of the Synod on Synodality, widely recognized as the most significant Catholic event since the Second Vatican Council. Pope Francis also became the first reigning pope to release a memoir, titled "Hope," which offered insights into his life and papacy.
Pope Franciss pontificate was not without its challenges. He suffered from chronic lung disease and faced some health issues in recent years, forcing him to cancel some public events. However, these challenges did not diminish his spirit or his determination to serve the Church and the world.
The length of his papacy, approximately 12 years, placed him among the longer-serving popes in recent centuries, and the influence he exerted on the Catholic Church and the broader world was profound and lasting. He was the 266th bishop of Rome and the 266th successor of Saint Peter.
The election of Pope Francis in March 2013 was preceded by the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, which had occurred only weeks before. This unexpected transition set the stage for a new era in the Catholic Church. As Pope Francis took office, he immediately diverged from the more formal and traditional style of his predecessor, adopting a more humble and approachable public persona.
From his early days as a priest, Jorge Mario Bergoglio demonstrated a commitment to serving others, particularly the poor and marginalized. Before becoming pope, he was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus from 1973 to 1979 and the archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998. In 2001, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, a recognition of his dedication to the Church and his leadership within the Argentinian community.
Pope Francis's papacy was a period of significant change and reform. He sought to make the Church more welcoming and forgiving, focusing on themes of social justice, mercy, and inclusion. The legacy of Pope Francis is one of significant impact, and this will be felt for many years to come.
The announcement of his election was met with widespread interest and attention from news outlets around the globe. The election of the first Latin American pope was indeed a historic moment that highlighted the Church's growing global presence and its commitment to diversity. Pope Francis was the first pope to hail from the Americas, the first from the "New World," and the first Jesuit pope.
Pope Francis's selection of the name "Francis" was a symbolic gesture, a nod to Saint Francis of Assisi and a commitment to carrying forward the legacy of humility, simplicity, and service to the poor. He embodies a sense of humility, which set him apart and was very impactful across the world, the pope made a strong impression on people from all walks of life.
The impact of Pope Francis on the Church and the world is still being assessed. He will be remembered as a pope who sought to bring the Church closer to the people, embrace diversity, and advocate for the marginalized. His papacy was a reflection of his commitment to the gospel and a life lived in service of others.
Who will be the next Pope? We could see the first black or Asian
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