Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio Becomes Pope Francis
March 13th, 2013
March 13th, 2013
How Long Ago?
12 years, 1 day ago
Location
Vatican City
Category
Religion & Philosophy
People
- Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- Benedict XVI
Links & References
Tags
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio Becomes Pope Francis
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Francis. The conclave began following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, marking a new direction for the papacy, emphasizing humility and social justice. The announcement occurred on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where thousands had gathered to hear who would lead the Catholic Church.
Bergoglio was the first Latin American pope.
He served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
The conclave followed the unexpected resignation of Benedict XVI.
Pope Francis emphasized humility and social justice.
What Happened?
Following the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February 2013, the Roman Catholic Church convened a conclave to elect a new pope. This conclave took place in the Sistine Chapel, where 115 cardinal electors gathered to deliberate and vote. On March 13, after the second round of voting, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the chapel, a sign that a new pope had been selected. The world watched in anticipation as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina emerged from the chapel, becoming the first Jesuit and the first Pope from the Americas. He chose the name Pope Francis, a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi, indicating his commitment to a church focused on humility, poverty, and service to the marginalized. The announcement was made from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he introduced himself with a humble greeting, asking for the people's prayers.
Why Does it Matter?
The election of Pope Francis marked a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s priorities and approach to global issues, particularly regarding social justice, environmental concerns, and interfaith dialogue. His unique background as the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere and his Jesuit influences brought new perspectives to the papacy, appealing to a broader demographic. Pope Francis's emphasis on compassion and outreach aimed to revitalize the Church’s connection with modern society.
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