On 13 March 2013, the world watched as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged as the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, marking the beginning of the papacy of Pope Francis. His election followed the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and represented a pivotal moment in modern church history.
At 76 years old, Bergoglio became the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, bringing a reputation for humble service, pastoral warmth, and institutional reform to the highest office in the church.
| Aspect | Details | Significance | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Election Date | 13 March 2013 | Following the conclave that began on 12 March | Vatican announcements |
| Chosen Name | Francis | First pope named Francis, honoring Saint Francis of Assisi | Official announcement by Dean Cardinal Angelo Sodano |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI | Resigned unexpectedly on 28 February 2013 | Holy See press office |
| Place of Birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina | First pope from the Southern Hemisphere and the Americas | Archdiocese of Buenos Aires records |
| Background Before Election | Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jesuit priest | Known for pastoral focus, social justice, and modest lifestyle | Biography published by Vatican |
Election Process and Conclave Details
The conclave to elect Pope Francis began behind the closed doors of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Journalists and the public followed the traditional smoke signals, with black smoke on 12 March indicating no decision and white smoke on 13 March signaling a new pope had been chosen.
Key Stages of the 2013 Conclave
- 11 March: First ballot prepared, conclave entered on 12 March
- 12 March: Black smoke after two ballots, no consensus reached
- 13 March: White smoke appeared at approximately 19:06 local time
- Shortly after: Cardinal Protodeacon announced Bergoglio’s election
Global Impact and Public Reaction
The election of Pope Francis sent immediate waves of optimism through global markets, diplomatic channels, and civil society. World leaders praised his humility and calls for dialogue, while Catholic communities around the world celebrated the selection of a pastor from the peripheries.
His first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he asked the crowd to pray for his predecessor and for himself, set a tone of closeness and humility that distinguished his papacy from its predecessors.
Theological and Pastoral Priorities
From the outset, Francis emphasized mercy, accompaniment, and a church that is poor and for the poor. His outreach to prisoners, healthcare workers, and marginalized communities signaled a shift in tone and pastoral style that influenced synods, encyclicals, and global advocacy on issues such as climate change and inequality.
Signature Themes of Pope Francis’s Ministry
- Mercy over judgment, reflected in the document Evangelii Gaudium
- Care for our common home, notably in the encyclical Laudato Si’
- Financial transparency and reform within Vatican institutions
- Inclusive language and outreach to nonbelievers and other faiths
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite widespread admiration, Francis faced criticism on multiple fronts, including responses to clerical sex abuse cases, perceived hesitancy in disciplining powerful prelates, and tensions over Vatican communications with progressive Catholics on issues such as women’s roles and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
His reform agenda, encapsulated in the apostolic constitution Praedicate evangelium, reshaped Vatican departments and increased oversight, reflecting an ongoing effort to balance tradition with calls for greater accountability.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Years after his election, Pope Francis continues to shape global conversations on climate, economics, migration, and human dignity, ensuring that the choices made in 2013 remain central to the church’s engagement with a complex and evolving world.
- First Jesuit pope and first from the Americas
- Elected on 13 March 2013 following a brief conclave
- Chose the name Francis to signal humility and care for the poor
- Introduced major pastoral and administrative reforms
- Championed environmental stewardship and social justice globally
FAQ
Reader questions
How was Pope Francis elected, and how long did the conclave last?
Pope Francis was elected during the 2013 papal conclave, which convened after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. After two unsuccessful ballots on 12 March, white smoke appeared on 13 March, indicating the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope.
Why was his choice of the name Francis significant?
Choosing the name Francis marked a deliberate reference to Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasizing humility, care for the poor, and protection of creation, aligning closely with the pastoral vision he would promote during his papacy.
What distinguished Pope Francis as a global figure at the time of his election?
He was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, bringing a background of grassroots ministry in Latin America, a reputation for simplicity, and a focus on social justice that resonated with many Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
What immediate changes followed his election in terms of church governance?
In the years following his election, Francis implemented structural reforms in the Vatican, issued the encyclical Laudato Si’, prioritized outreach to marginalized communities, and initiated investigations into financial and administrative misconduct within the church.