The pope elected in 2013 was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who took the papal name Francis. His election on March 13, 2013, marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church, occurring after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first papal resignation in nearly six centuries. Cardinal Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, became the 266th pope and the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere.
The Resignation That Changed History
The conclave that elected the pope in 2013 was convened following the unprecedented announcement of Pope Benedict XVI's resignation on February 28, 2013. This decision, citing advanced age and waning strength, shocked the world and initiated a complex and historically significant papal transition. The Vatican quickly organized the conclave, setting the date for March 12, 2013, and the world's media descended upon Rome to witness the selection of the church's new leader.
Conclave Dynamics and the First Ballot
Over 115 cardinal electors from around the globe gathered in the Sistine Chapel, bound by oath to secrecy. The initial ballots failed to yield a clear consensus, with various candidates emerging as potential contenders. The discussions within the conclave were intense, focusing on the future direction of a church facing numerous internal and external challenges. After five days of deliberation and four ballots, white smoke finally billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election of a new pope.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio: The Humble Jesuit
Born in Buenos Aires in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, Jorge Mario Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus in 1958. His journey to the papacy was unconventional; he worked as a bouncer and janitor before studying chemistry and eventually pursuing theology. As a priest and later a bishop, he earned a reputation for humility, pastoral care, and a preference for living in simple quarters rather than grand episcopal residences.
A Name Chosen in Honor of a Saint
Upon his election, Cardinal Bergoglio surprised many by choosing the name Francis, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. This choice was widely interpreted as a signal of his priorities: a focus on poverty, humility, reform, and outreach to the marginalized. The name signaled a break from tradition and a desire to embody the ideals of service and simplicity espoused by the 13th-century friar.
Immediate Impact and Global Reception
The announcement of the new pope sent waves of optimism through the Catholic Church and the wider world. Francis immediately distinguished himself through his actions, choosing to reside in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace. He washed the feet of prisoners, including women and Muslims, and called for a church that was "poor and for the poor," capturing the imagination of millions worldwide.
Reform and Pastoral Shift
Pope Francis's tenure has been defined by a focus on internal reform and a shift in pastoral tone. He initiated the Synod on the Family and the Synod on Youth, emphasizing listening and accompaniment. His apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" called for a missionary conversion of the church, criticizing "spiritual worldliness" and urging a preferential option for the poor. These actions solidified the identity of a pope elected in 2013 as a transformative figure.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
More than a decade later, the legacy of the pope elected in 2013 continues to shape the global church. Francis has been a vocal advocate for environmental protection, issuing the encyclical "Laudato Si'" to address climate change. He has also pursued greater inclusivity and dialogue with other faiths, while simultaneously tackling corruption and financial mismanagement within the Vatican. His influence extends far beyond doctrinal matters, touching on economics, politics, and social justice.
