Pope Francis: Date Of Birth & Person Of The Year Insights
Has a single individual ever captured the world's attention so rapidly, transcending age, belief, and skepticism? Pope Francis, Time Magazine's Person of the Year for 2013, undeniably achieved this feat.
The announcement, made on the morning of December 11, 2013, on the "Today" show, marked a significant moment. Time Magazine's choice of Pope Francis as its Person of the Year was met with a mix of elation, intrigue, and perhaps, a touch of apprehension. The decision underscored the profound impact the pontiff had made in a remarkably short period. He had, in less than a year, managed to reshape perceptions of the Catholic Church on a global scale.
The impact of Pope Francis extended beyond the confines of the Vatican. Addressing the youth at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during World Youth Day on July 25, 2013, he connected with an audience that spanned continents and cultures. This ability to connect to be present, empathetic, and approachable was central to his appeal. As Nancy Gibbs wrote in Time, "Rarely has a new player on the world stage captured so much attention so quicklyyoung and old, faithful and cynicalas has Pope Francis."
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936 |
| Birthplace | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Religious Order | Jesuits |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 28, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998-2013 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Title | Bishop of Rome, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church |
| Key Initiatives/Views | Emphasis on mercy, compassion, and social justice; focus on the poor and marginalized; calls for greater dialogue and understanding across religions; stance on climate change. |
| Notable Actions | Washing the feet of inmates; choosing to live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (guest house) rather than the papal apartments; his embrace of a more informal, less ceremonial style. |
| Person of the Year | Time Magazine, 2013 |
| Official Website (for reference) | The Holy See |
The Jesuit order, in a statement, congratulated the Pope on the honor, a testament to the respect he commanded within his own order and beyond. The news spread rapidly, illustrating the global reach of his influence. The Advocate, an LGBT publication, also recognized Pope Francis as Person of the Year, indicating a unique appreciation from a community often at odds with the Catholic Churchs traditional stances. This highlighted his efforts to reach out and his statements that indicated acceptance and compassion.
The shift in tone and approach was immediately noticeable. He eschewed the ostentatious trappings often associated with the papacy, choosing a more humble lifestyle. This included residing in a guest house instead of the Apostolic Palace and foregoing the use of the popemobile, favoring simpler modes of transport. These choices were not merely symbolic. They conveyed a powerful message about the values he prioritized, reflecting a desire for a church that was closer to the people it served.
The central question arising after the selection was whether this transformative period would ultimately lead to lasting change. His actions have certainly set a different tone, but whether that transformation would be reflected in policy changes, evolving doctrine, and a redefined perception of the Church remained to be seen. The "whirlwind year" for Pope Francis was a testament to the potential for change, a promise of a different future for the Catholic Church and its interaction with the world. The initial reaction was one of widespread approval.
The choice also sparked conversations about the relationship between the Church and groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community. His approach toward inclusivity and his public remarks garnered significant attention and appreciation from diverse sectors. The recognition from various publications and organizations served to solidify his position as a global figure, whose words and actions resonated far beyond the Vatican walls.
The Time magazine article from Jason Seiler's portrait of Pope Francis, enhanced the persona of the Pope and made him appear as a humble individual. The recognition from the LGBT community and other groups showed the widespread acceptance of his work.
