On April 21, 2025, the Catholic world paused in collective mourning as Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. With millions across the globe reflecting on his monumental impact, it’s a fitting moment to revisit the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his historic election, the groundbreaking aspects of his papacy, and the powerful legacy he leaves behind.
As the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has been a transformative figure, known for his humility, progressive reforms, and global influence. But when exactly did he become pope, and why was his election so historic?
Pope Francis’s election marked a turning point for the Catholic Church. Not only was he the first pope from Latin America, he was also the first Jesuit pope, bringing a distinctly humble and reform-oriented perspective to the papacy. His selection symbolized a significant shift from tradition and heralded a new era emphasizing social justice, environmental responsibility, and interfaith dialogue.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio: Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis’s journey to the Vatican was far from ordinary. The son of Italian immigrants, he experienced a modest upbringing that profoundly shaped his values. Before devoting his life fully to religion, Bergoglio trained as a chemical technician. He even famously spent time as a nightclub bouncer, a detail that often highlighted his relatable and humble character.
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In 1958, Bergoglio embarked on his spiritual path, joining the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). His dedication and discipline were evident early on.
He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969, embarking on a path that would gradually elevate him within the Church’s hierarchy. He served in various pastoral and administrative roles, developing a reputation for being both compassionate and firm.
His leadership qualities soon attracted attention.
In 1998, Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Bergoglio’s approachable nature and devotion to the poor quickly won him widespread respect.
In 2001, he was elevated to cardinal, further solidifying his status as one of the most influential Church figures in Latin America.
The Unprecedented Papal Conclave of 2013
In February 2013, the world witnessed a historical anomaly: Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. His decision to step down due to advanced age and declining health was an unprecedented event in modern Church history, prompting shockwaves throughout the Catholic community.
Benedict’s resignation triggered the need for a papal conclave—a secretive gathering of cardinal electors tasked with selecting the new pope. On March 12, 2013, 115 cardinals assembled within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, where voting would take place behind closed doors. At the conclave’s outset, speculation about Benedict’s successor ran rampant. Would the cardinals opt for continuity, or would they take a more radical approach by selecting an outsider candidate?
After five ballots over two intense days, white smoke rose from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on March 13, 2013, signaling that a new pope had been elected. Soon afterward, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. His appearance prompted astonishment and applause from the massive crowd below. Bergoglio was the first Jesuit pope and the first pope ever from the Americas, indicating a monumental shift toward global representation.
He took the name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, to signal his intentions clearly: simplicity, humility, and a renewed focus on serving the poor and marginalized. In his first address, he famously asked the crowd for their prayers, displaying the humility and approachability that would define his papacy.
- March 12, 2013: Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
- March 13, 2013: After just two days and five ballots, white smoke rose from the Vatican chimney, signaling a decision.
- “Habemus Papam!” (We have a pope!)—Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony as Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope in history.
Why His Election Was Historic
The significance of Pope Francis’s election can hardly be overstated. Several key aspects distinguished his papacy from the start:
First Jesuit Pope
As a Jesuit, Pope Francis brought a distinctive spiritual outlook to the Vatican. Jesuits are renowned for their intellectual rigor, commitment to social justice, and emphasis on education and missionary work. His election marked a significant philosophical shift in Church leadership, promoting dialogue, education, and social responsibility.
First Pope from the Americas
Francis was the first pontiff to originate from the Americas. His Latin American roots connected him deeply to the global south, shifting the Church’s center of gravity away from traditional European leadership. This change was reflective of a growing recognition that much of the Church’s vibrant life and growth now resided outside Europe, especially in Latin America and Africa.
Choosing the Name “Francis”
By choosing the name Francis, Bergoglio sent a powerful symbolic message. Saint Francis of Assisi was renowned for his devotion to poverty, peace, and the natural environment. Pope Francis sought to emulate these virtues, explicitly aligning himself with the values of humility, environmental stewardship, and care for the poor.
Key Moments and Reforms of Pope Francis’s Papacy
Since 2013, Pope Francis has championed social justice, interfaith dialogue, and environmentalism:
- 2013: Visited Lampedusa, condemning the neglect of migrants and refugees.
- 2015: Published Laudato Si’, a groundbreaking encyclical on climate change.
- 2016: Held historic meetings with Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and Muslim leaders, promoting unity.
- 2023: Became the first pope to address the G7, advocating for AI ethics.
Pope Francis’s time at the Vatican was marked by several bold moves and reforms aimed at making the Church more inclusive, responsive, and aligned with contemporary global concerns:
Migrant Advocacy: Visit to Lampedusa
One of Francis’s earliest and most poignant gestures occurred when he visited the Italian island of Lampedusa in July 2013.
This island had become a focal point of Europe’s migrant crisis, with thousands of refugees landing there in dangerous conditions. Francis’s visit underscored his commitment to human rights and advocacy for the vulnerable, urging the world to show compassion and solidarity with migrants.
Environmental Leadership: Laudato Si’
In 2015, Pope Francis published the landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, an unprecedented papal document dedicated exclusively to environmental concerns. It called for urgent global action to combat climate change and protect the Earth.
His call for ecological stewardship resonated broadly, influencing discussions among religious leaders, environmental activists, and policymakers worldwide.
Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue
Throughout his papacy, Francis actively fostered dialogue between different faiths and religious traditions.
He met with leaders from Judaism, Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Buddhism, and many other traditions. These interactions sought to build bridges, reduce tensions, and foster mutual respect and understanding globally.
Financial and Administrative Reforms
Within the Vatican, Francis spearheaded significant reforms, particularly concerning financial transparency. He took decisive action to root out corruption and introduce stricter financial controls, enhancing accountability in Vatican institutions.
Increasing Roles for Women
Pope Francis also took unprecedented steps in increasing female representation in Vatican positions, appointing women to key administrative and consultative roles within the Church.
Although he maintained the Church’s traditional stance regarding ordination, these actions signaled an important shift towards inclusivity and gender equity.
Even after his passing, Pope Francis’s legacy continues to shape the Catholic Church profoundly. His papacy is remembered for its commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and environmental stewardship. His approachable style and outspoken advocacy have had lasting impacts on both the faithful and the global community at large.
In a Church that sometimes struggled with internal divisions, Francis stood as a unifying figure, often breaking tradition to offer messages of tolerance, understanding, and mercy. His emphasis on dialogue and social justice issues re-energized many believers who had grown disillusioned with the institutional Church.
Francis’s papacy also reinforced the Church’s moral voice on global issues, from climate change to immigration. He positioned the Catholic Church as an advocate for human dignity, environmental responsibility, and global peace, garnering respect even from those outside the Catholic faith.
When Pope Francis became pope on March 13, 2013, it marked more than just the selection of a new pontiff. It represented a transformative moment for the Catholic Church—a shift toward embracing a more inclusive, socially aware, and globally representative direction.
His leadership, while at times controversial, undeniably reshaped the Church’s image in the modern era. Francis’s ability to connect deeply with individuals—whether through acts of humility, bold reforms, or compassionate advocacy—solidified his reputation as one of history’s most impactful popes.
