Pope Francis: Election, Date Of Birth & Key Facts | Discover

Could the election of a new pope truly redefine the global landscape of faith and influence? Pope Francis, a figure whose papacy has been marked by both profound compassion and controversial stances, took the helm of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, ushering in an era of significant change.

The world watched with bated breath as the cardinals gathered in the Vatican, following the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013. The subsequent conclave, which began on March 12, was a historic event. The election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the 266th pope was a pivotal moment. He chose the name Francis, a nod to Saint Francis of Assisi, marking a departure from tradition and signaling a desire for a more humble and accessible papacy. The fifth ballot sealed the deal on the second day of the conclave. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one that continues to unfold with far-reaching implications.