Pope Francis & Benedict XVI: Facts & Years Served | [Updated]
Has the papacy, a cornerstone of the Catholic Church, truly entered a new chapter? With recent events, including the passing of Pope Francis, the longevity and traditions of the papacy are now, more than ever, at the forefront of global discussion.
The landscape of the papacy has been markedly reshaped in recent times. Pope Benedict XVI, elected on April 19, 2005, following the death of John Paul II earlier that month, was a figure of significant historical import. His election, and subsequent enthronement on April 24, 2005, marked the beginning of his pontificate as the 265th pope. The papacy, a position traditionally held for life, saw a shift when Benedict XVI made the extraordinary decision to retire, the first pope to do so in nearly six centuries.
Pope Francis, the 266th pope, stepped into this evolving context. He was elected after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy, which began on March 13, 2013, has been characterized by his leadership style and efforts to address modern challenges, including climate change, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Pope Francis, who had been serving as pope for over a decade, sadly passed away at the age of 88.
The role of Pope is distinct. Unlike a president, the Pope does not serve a fixed term. He is elected for life, unless he chooses to retire, a rare occurrence in the history of the papacy. The selection of a new pope occurs through a secret conclave of cardinals, a process which can take several days.
Pope Francis's tenure was also notable for his origins: he was the first pope from the Western Hemisphere, the first from South America, and the first from the Jesuit order. These factors undoubtedly influenced his approach to leadership and his priorities. His pontificate ushered in significant reforms and initiatives, including the papal encyclical "Laudato Si'" (2015), which addressed the climate crisis. His efforts to foster unity and dialogue among different faiths and within the Catholic Church itself are well-documented.
Prior to becoming pope, Pope Francis, then known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had a distinguished career. He was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969, and became a cardinal in 2001. His time as a cardinal paved the way for his later role as the head of the Catholic Church.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024, Vatican City |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Predecessor | Benedict XVI |
| Successor | Vacant |
| Key Initiatives | Laudato Si' (Environmental Encyclical), Focus on poverty and social justice, Interfaith dialogue |
| Known For | His humility, approachability, and focus on the marginalized. |
| Reference Website | Vatican Website - Pope Francis |
The history of the papacy extends back centuries. The term "pope" itself, initially used more broadly for any bishop, began to be specifically associated with the Bishop of Rome, somewhere between 300 AD. This practice was solidified by the early sixth century, when it was reserved exclusively for the Bishop of Rome. Since the 1800s, there have been 16 popes, and the average pontificate in the last two centuries has lasted roughly 14 years.
The papacy of Benedict XVI, though shorter, offered a contrast, marking a notable transition. After almost eight years of service, Benedict XVI resigned due to health concerns, paving the way for a new direction. He was succeeded by Pope Francis, who brought his own unique background and perspective to the role.
The election of Pope Francis was a watershed moment. As the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis, he was a clear departure from tradition in some respects. This election signified a shift in the Church's focus, leading to several reforms and efforts, including the encyclical Laudato Si. This addressed climate change, among other issues.
The death of Pope Francis, after a decade of service, brings the cycle of papal succession back into focus. The upcoming funeral on April 26th will mark a moment of global reflection, as the Catholic Church prepares for a new era, and as the cardinals begin to prepare for the selection of the next leader.
