Pope Francis: Key Facts & News - What You Need To Know

What does it mean to be a "Person of the Year"? For Pope Francis, it signifies a profound impact on the world, a challenge to established norms, and a revitalized approach to leadership within the Catholic Church and beyond.

The announcement by Time magazine naming Pope Francis as its "Person of the Year" in 2013 wasn't just an accolade; it was a recognition of a paradigm shift. His papacy, initiated in March of that year, swiftly captivated global attention. Time rightly acknowledged the Catholic Church's inherent inertia, a place that, for centuries, has measured change in terms of generations. Yet, in a mere nine months, Pope Francis had already brought about a seismic transformation, earning accolades from progressives while simultaneously stirring anxieties amongst traditionalists. He took the name of a humble saint and then called for a church of healing. He pulled the papacy out of the palace and into the streets. His papacy was recognized as the year's most spectacular heist.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Born	December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Education	Master of Arts in Chemistry
Religious Order	Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Ordination	Priest: December 13, 1969
Episcopal Consecration	Archbishop: June 28, 1992
Cardinal	Created Cardinal: February 21, 2001, by Pope John Paul II
Election as Pope	March 13, 2013
Papal Name	Francis
Significant Writings	Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) Laudato Si' (Praise Be to You) Fratelli Tutti (Brothers and Sisters, all of us)
Key Initiatives	Focus on the poor and marginalized Emphasis on environmental stewardship Call for greater social justice Efforts to reform the Vatican Dialogue with other religions
Notable Actions	Washing and kissing the feet of inmates Visiting Lampedusa to show solidarity with refugees Meeting with victims of sexual abuse Championing climate action
Person of the Year	Time Magazine, 2013
Reference	Vatican Website

The decision to anoint Pope Francis as Person of the Year was not without its merits. The selection by Time was a powerful statement, especially considering the magazine's history of recognizing individuals, groups, or entities that have significantly shaped the year's narrative. His papacy has been marked by a deliberate effort to bridge divides, both within the Church and in the wider world. For committing the worlds largest church to confronting its deepest needs and for balancing judgment with mercy, Pope Francis is Times 2013 person of the year. He took the name of a humble saint and then called for a church of healing.

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The impact of Pope Francis is evident in his actions, as PETA highlighted his ethical approach toward animals when they selected the Holy See for his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si' He celebrated his 77th birthday on a Tuesday with four homeless people and their dog who live on the street. He has focused on issues such as poverty, climate change, and social justice. His words and deeds have resonated with a diverse audience, drawing praise from reformers while simultaneously generating concerns amongst more traditional elements within the Church.

Managing Editor Nancy Gibbs, alongside Deputy Managing Editor Radhika Jones, were instrumental in shaping Times coverage that year. They presented a story that went beyond mere observation. It demonstrated the profound nature of his influence. The selection was also a recognition of the Church's capacity to adapt and evolve under his leadership. This adaptability allowed the Church to engage effectively with the complexities of the modern world.

The moment in which the impact of his papacy became clearest, and in which many truly felt emotional, was during a meeting between the Pope and various individuals. This illustrated the deeply personal connection Pope Francis cultivated, and which further solidified his place as a pivotal figure. The editors of Time magazine deserve commendation for their selection of Pope Francis as Person of the Year in December 2013. The year 2013 marked a period where every move made by Pope Francis, from his comments on gays to his frequent use of social media, sparked widespread reactions globally.

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The list of contenders for "Person of the Year" that year, in alphabetical order, included diverse and influential figures: Bashar al-Assad, Jeff Bezos, Ted Cruz, Miley Cyrus, Barack Obama. That underscores the significance of Pope Francis' selection. He was not simply chosen for the recognition; rather, the recognition was a direct response to his transformative impact on the global stage.

In addition, Time magazine's announcement that Pope Francis I, who was elected in March to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, was its "Person of the Year" for 2013 was a powerful acknowledgment of his swift and profound influence. It was a statement that echoed in the 87th year that the American magazine has honored a person. His commitment to social issues, environmental concerns, and interfaith dialogue has fostered a sense of hope and renewal within the Church and across society.

The news of the Popes death would be announced with deep sorrow by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo. The death of Pope Francis is a critical moment in history until a new pope is chosen. The choice of Pope Francis as "Person of the Year" was, and remains, a testament to his capacity to inspire change and challenge established norms. He is pulling off the year's most spectacular heist. It's a recognition of his enduring relevance in shaping the discourse of the 21st century.