On March 13, 2013, the world witnessed a moment that redefined modern papacy as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, accepted his election as the 266th Bishop of Rome. When Pope Francis became Pope, he emerged not just as the leader of the Catholic Church but as a global symbol of humility, reform, and pastoral accessibility. His ascension to the Papacy followed the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, a historical first in nearly 600 years, creating a vacuum that allowed for a new kind of leadership to emerge from the Southern Hemisphere.
The Conclave of 2013: A Historic Conclave
The conclave that elected Bergoglio began on March 12, 2013, following the formal resignation of Pope Benedict XVI at the end of February. Comprising 115 cardinal electors from around the globe, the College of Cardinals convened in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy. After five ballots over three days, white smoke finally billowed from the Vatican chimney on March 13, signaling the conclusion of a process that had captivated the world. The choice of Jorge Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, surprised many observers who had anticipated a more traditional European candidate, marking a decisive shift in the center of Catholic gravity toward the Global South.
Breaking with Tradition: The First Jesuit Pope
Bergoglio's election as the first Jesuit to hold the office of Supreme Pontiff represented a significant theological and administrative departure for the Church. As a member of the Society of Jesus, founded by Ignatius of Loyola, he brought a distinct charism of apostolic zeal, intellectual rigor, and a preferential option for the poor. His papal name, Francis, was an immediate signal of his intent to emulate the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing poverty, peace, and care for creation over rigid institutionalism. This choice of name was widely interpreted as a manifesto for his intended reign.
The Immediate Impact and Global Reception
The reaction to Bergoglio's election was overwhelmingly positive and immediate, particularly among the poor and marginalized who saw in him a champion. His first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he asked the crowd to pray for his predecessor Benedict before blessing the world, set a tone of humility rarely seen in the modern era. He declined the traditional papal tiara, opting for a simple mitre and crosier, and chose to reside in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, physically embodying the humility he preached.
Signs of a New Pastoral Approach
From the outset, Francis distinguished himself through a pastoral style that prioritized encounter over condemnation. He frequently spoke about the "smell of the sheep," emphasizing the need for clergy to be close to the people. He forewent the security detail common to his predecessors, walking among the crowds in St. Peter’s Square and washing the feet of prisoners, including women and Muslims, a gesture that broke with protocol and highlighted his inclusive vision. His early apostolic trips to Brazil and the Holy Land further cemented his image as a Pope of the people.
Reform and Controversy: The Franciscan Agenda
Pope Francis quickly turned his attention to the internal reform of the Roman Curia, seeking to streamline bureaucracy and increase transparency. He established the Council of Cardinal Advisers, a group of bishops from around the world tasked with advising him on reforming the Church’s governance. His apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel) became a foundational text, calling for a missionary discipleship that moves beyond legalism and focuses on mercy. However, his calls for decentralization and accountability have not been without resistance, leading to tensions with more conservative factions within the Vatican.
