Pope Francis: The Historic Election & First Moments At The Vatican
What does it mean to be the leader of over a billion Catholics around the globe? For Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the man who would become Pope Francis, it meant embracing a life of service, humility, and a commitment to social justice, a journey that began in the heart of Argentina and led him to the most powerful position in the Catholic Church.
On March 13, 2013, a date that would forever be etched in the annals of the Vatican, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. This momentous occasion followed the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, marking the first time in nearly six centuries that a Pope had abdicated his position. The conclave, the secret gathering of cardinals tasked with electing the new pontiff, convened in the Vatican, and after just five ballots, a decision was made. The choice was a surprise to many, but for those who knew Bergoglio, it was a testament to his character, his pastoral heart, and his unwavering dedication to the marginalized.
He chose the name Francis, a nod to St. Francis of Assisi, a figure known for his simplicity, poverty, and love for the poor and the environment. This choice was a clear indication of the direction the new Pope intended to take the Church towards a more compassionate, inclusive, and socially conscious path. As the world watched, newly elected Pope Francis appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, speaking to the crowd, beginning a new era for the church.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentinian |
| Education | Master of Arts in Philosophy and Theology |
| Early Life and Career | Worked as a bouncer and janitor; Chemist; Joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 |
| Ordination | Ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969 |
| Episcopal Ministry | Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992; Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998; Created a Cardinal in 2001 |
| Papal Election | Elected Pope on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Significance | First Pope from the Americas; First Jesuit Pope; First to take the name Francis |
| Key Characteristics | Known for his humility, focus on the poor, and advocacy for social justice |
| Notable Actions | Embraced a simpler lifestyle; Visited and ministered to the marginalized; Addressed climate change and other global issues; Reformed the Vatican's financial practices |
| Other Roles | Member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; Member of the Congregation for the Clergy; Member of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life |
| Reference | Vatican Official Biography |
The election of Pope Francis was a pivotal moment. It followed Pope Benedict XVI's unexpected decision to step down, a move that sent shockwaves through the Catholic world. Pope Benedict's resignation, which he said was due to his advanced age and declining health, was the first such event since Pope Gregory XII in 1415. The announcement on February 11, 2013, paved the way for a conclave to be held in March, a period of intense prayer, deliberation, and anticipation for Catholics around the globe. Faculty members from across various institutions provided media commentary on the situation, reflecting the significant public interest and the importance of the selection.
The conclave of 2013 was a historic event in several respects. The speed with which the cardinals reached a decision, electing a new pontiff within just two days, was noteworthy, as was the selection of a non-European Pope. Of the 117 cardinal electors eligible to vote, all but two participated in the process. Cardinal Bergoglio's election on the fifth ballot was a testament to the respect he commanded among his peers and the clarity of vision he presented for the future of the Church.
Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio's life before the papacy was marked by a deep connection to the people and a commitment to service. He worked various jobs, including as a bouncer and janitor, before becoming a chemist. This diverse background provided a unique perspective, shaping his understanding of the world and the needs of others. He was inspired to join the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958, a move that would define his life's work.
The decision of Bergoglio to become Pope Francis was a pivotal point in the church's history. His election was not only a surprise to many, but it was also a sign of hope for the Catholic world, representing a shift towards a more compassionate and inclusive Church. It was a call for the Church to be more present in the lives of the marginalized, to address the pressing social issues of the day, and to offer a message of hope and reconciliation to all people.
The new Pope's selection of the name "Francis" was a significant gesture. It honored St. Francis of Assisi, a figure synonymous with poverty, simplicity, and care for the environment. This choice signaled a commitment to these values and a desire to steer the Church in a new direction. Pope Francis's first speech as pontiff, delivered from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, was a moment of profound significance. He spoke of a Church that is open, welcoming, and focused on the needs of the poor, which signaled the beginning of a new era.
Pope Francis's papacy has been characterized by a relentless focus on the marginalized. He has made a conscious effort to visit and minister to the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable, both in Rome and around the world. He has spoken out against social injustices, advocating for the rights of migrants, refugees, and the environment. He has addressed the United States Congress, an unprecedented move, underscoring his global influence. His commitment to reforming the Vatican's financial practices has been another hallmark of his papacy, aiming to make the Church more transparent and accountable.
Pope Francis's papacy has been marked by several key initiatives and events. The publication of "Laudato Si'," his encyclical on the environment, was a landmark moment, urging the world to address climate change. His emphasis on synodality, fostering greater participation and dialogue within the Church, has been another significant development. His embrace of social issues and his willingness to engage in difficult conversations have marked a significant shift in tone and approach. His papacy has also been punctuated by his global travels, bringing his message of hope and reconciliation to the far reaches of the world.
The impact of Pope Francis's papacy has been felt across the globe. His leadership has revitalized the Church, attracting new followers and renewing the faith of many. His message of compassion, inclusion, and social justice has resonated with people of all backgrounds. His focus on the environment, his efforts to reform the Church, and his unwavering commitment to the poor have had a profound and lasting impact.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio's journey to the papacy, beginning in the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, is a compelling story of faith, service, and transformation. His election as Pope Francis, on March 13, 2013, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church, a chapter defined by compassion, humility, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
The election of Pope Francis was a result of a papal conclave, a gathering of cardinals to elect a new pope. The process involves prayer, discussion, and voting, continuing until a two-thirds majority is reached. The conclave of 2013 was convened to choose a successor to Pope Benedict XVI. On the second day of voting, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the Church.
The speed and the surprise of the election were notable. The conclave, which followed the first resignation of a Pope in nearly 600 years, was anticipated with great interest. The cardinals selected Pope Francis after five votes, a comparatively short conclave. The new Pope's appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica marked the beginning of a papacy that would come to be known for its simplicity, compassion, and dedication to the marginalized.
The influence of the new Pope, as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, on the world would begin in earnest, as he was elected by the conclave of cardinals on March 13, 2013. He became the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
Pope Francis's first address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica was an immediate expression of his character and focus. He spoke of a Church that is open, welcoming, and dedicated to the poor, setting the tone for his papacy.
The significance of Pope Francis lies in his commitment to the marginalized. His focus on the environment, social justice, and reforming the Church's institutions reflects his values and his vision for the future of the Church. His papacy continues to have a significant impact on the world, shaping conversations around faith, social issues, and the role of the Church in the 21st century.
