Pope Francis' Election: When, How & Key Facts
When the world watched the Sistine Chapel's chimney for a sign, did anyone truly anticipate the momentous shift about to occur? On March 13, 2013, a new era dawned for the Catholic Church as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires was elected Pope Francis, marking a pivotal moment in the institution's history and heralding a new chapter of leadership.
The election of Pope Francis on that day in 2013, after just two days of voting, surprised many. The world was captivated by the events unfolding within the Vatican walls, as cardinals from across the globe gathered in the Sistine Chapel to choose the successor to Pope Benedict XVI, who had made the unprecedented decision to resign. The selection process, steeped in tradition and secrecy, culminated in the announcement of a new pontiff. The announcement was made at St. Peter's Basilica, and the name chosen was Francis.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis's life before the papacy was one of diverse experiences. He worked as a bouncer and janitor, before becoming a chemist, and eventually, he was inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958. He was elected to the papacy at the age of 76, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine (by birth), Vatican City (as Pope) |
| Education | Master of Arts in Philosophy, Chemical Technician |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained as Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 19982013 |
| Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Significant Achievements | First Pope from the Americas, First Jesuit Pope, Papal Encyclical Laudato Si' (2015) |
| Legacy | Emphasis on social justice, environmental concerns, and outreach to marginalized communities. |
| Reference | Vatican Official Biography |
The election of Pope Francis was a historic event for several reasons. He became the first Latin American pope, the first from the Western Hemisphere, and the first member of the Society of Jesus to assume the papacy. His election marked a departure from tradition in several ways, and his pontificate has been characterized by a focus on social justice, environmental concerns, and a more inclusive approach to the Church's mission.
The conclave, a highly secretive process, involves 120 cardinals under the age of 80 at the time of the previous pope's passing or resignation. The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, where they cast their ballots in multiple rounds of voting until a two-thirds majority is achieved. The election's outcome is marked by white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signifying the election of a new pope, an event that captured the world's attention.
His efforts to promote unity between Catholics and non-Catholics are well known. His pontificate has been marked by several reforms and initiatives aimed at addressing contemporary issues, including the environment, social justice, and poverty. The papal encyclical Laudato Si' (2015) which addresses the climate crisis. The pontiff brought many reforms, including the papal encyclical Laudato Si\u2019 (2015), which addresses the climate crisis.
Before assuming the papacy, Pope Francis, known then as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He was known for his humble lifestyle, his commitment to the poor and marginalized, and his pastoral approach to ministry. His election was a surprise to many, but his reputation for compassion and simplicity quickly endeared him to people around the world.
The cardinals, in their closed-door deliberations within the Sistine Chapel, were tasked with choosing a leader for the global Catholic Church. This process, governed by centuries of tradition, is marked by intense secrecy and prayer. As the world waited, the white smoke that emerged from the chapel's chimney signaled the momentous decision had been made. "We have a Pope!" was the joyous cry that would soon echo across St. Peter's Square.
Pope Francis, upon his election, chose the name "Francis," a nod to Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his devotion to the poor and his love of nature. This choice immediately signaled the direction the new pontiff intended to take the Church, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and a focus on the needs of those on the margins.
The election of a new pope is a significant event in the Catholic Church's history, and it captures the attention of people worldwide. The process, shrouded in tradition and secrecy, culminates in a momentous announcement that echoes through the Vatican and across the globe. The new pope, chosen by the College of Cardinals, will lead the Church and guide its followers. The selection of a new pontiff after a previous pope's death or resignation has been repeated many times in the Church's long history. The process is often described as a "conclave," from the Latin "cum clave," meaning "with a key," referring to the locked room where the cardinals gather. The aim is to ensure secrecy and focus during the process.
As the world watched the unfolding events, the election of Pope Francis was not just a change in leadership; it was a signal of hope and renewal for many. His focus on compassion, justice, and care for creation resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds. He was elected at 76 years old and served for 12 years until his death.
The role of the papacy is a complex one, encompassing spiritual leadership, administrative duties, and diplomatic engagements. The Pope serves as the Bishop of Rome, the head of the Catholic Church, and the head of the Vatican City State.
On March 13, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected pope on the second day of the conclave. The world watched as white smoke rose from the roof of the Sistine Chapel in 2013, when Pope Francis was elected to succeed Benedict XVI.
The election of the 266th pope, Francis, on March 13, 2013, ushered in a new era of leadership for the Roman Catholic Church. His efforts to promote unity between Catholics and non-Catholics are well known.
The contenders for the next pope span the globe and could range from someone ideologically similar to pope francis, or one with.
As of January 22, there are 138 cardinals eligible to vote out of a total of 252 worldwide.
On February 09, 2025 in Vatican City, Pope Francis presided over a mass on the jubilee of the armed forces, police and security personnel at st. Peter's square.
He was called mercury by his family but thought the christian pontiff should not have the name of a pagan roman god, reuters wrote in 2013, when pope francis was chosen.
