Known for his humility, love of neighbor and deep devotion, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013, after the historic resignation of Benedict XVI. With his designation, he became the first Latin American Pope and the first belonging to the Society of Jesus in assuming the leadership of the Catholic Church.
At 76, the Argentine cardinal was appointed Head of the Vatican State and spiritual leader of more than one billion faithful. His choice also marked an unprecedented event: he was the first non -European Pope since the thirteenth century.
The choice occurred after five voting rounds held in two days of conclave. With the support of 115 cardinals with the right to vote, Bergoglio was proclaimed Pope 266 of the Church’s history.
His pontificate, which extended for 12 years and 39 days, He ended with his death this Monday, April 21. During this time, he distinguished himself by promoting a church closer to the poor, open to dialogue and committed to social justice.
On March 14, 2013, one day after his choice, he celebrated his first Mass as a pontiff. He was formally invested on March 19, in a massive ceremony in the Plaza de San Pedro, in the Vatican. He adopted Francisco’s name in honor of Francisco de Asís, reflecting from the beginning his intention to lead a papacy focused on simplicity, fraternity and service to the most needy.
Although his pontificate was shorter than that of other potatoes – as Pío IX, who held the position for 31 years – Pope Francis left a legacy of deep internal reforms and a constant call to mercy, peace and inclusion. His leadership marked an opening stage in the modern history of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’s legacy
“I would like a poor church and for the poor,” said Pope Francis at the beginning of his pontificate. This statement marked the tone of his leadership, characterized by a simple style, close to the faithful and away from the luxuries of the Apostolic Palace. His commitment to social causes was a constant during his years at the head of the Catholic Church.
The Pontiff decided to reside in the Santa Marta house, renouncing traditional privileges. He chose Francisco in honor of San Francisco de Asís, a symbol of humility and service to the poor, values that inspired and defined his papacy.
Social commitment and migrants
One of its main causes was the defense of migrants. From the beginning of his pontificate, he caught attention to the structural causes of human displacements, especially global inequality, which he considered a determining factor. As a sample of his commitment, his first official trip went to Lampedusa, Italian island symbol of migratory drama in the Mediterranean. That gesture was interpreted as an act of solidarity with African migrants who risk their lives in search of a better future.
Their fight against poverty and its constant complaint of economic inequality placed in the center of the debate themes that for a long time were avoided by the Catholic Church.
In his search for unity, he promoted the interreligious dialogue and promoted the understanding between peoples and creeds, even in international conflicts.
Impact within the Catholic Church
The reforms promoted by Pope Francis tried to reorient the course of the Church. In 2022, he promulgated a new Apostolic Constitution, with which he sought to restructure the Roman curia, decentralize the administration of the Holy See and make it more representative and efficient.
In response to the financial scandals, the Vatican’s economic system reformed and sought to clarify cases of corruption that affected the institution.
Also, one of the most forceful aspects of his legacy was his fight against sexual abuses within the Church. He not only recognized these crimes, but publicly condemned them as a “shame and humiliation.” He reformed the Code of Canon Law to harden the penalties against abusers and those who cover them up.
Among the most significant decisions are the renewal of the ecclesiastical hierarchy in Chile, the dissolution of the sodalic of Christian life in Peru and the revocation of privileges to Opus Dei.
Postures against controversial issues
Pope Francis also opened the debate on issues traditionally avoided by the Catholic Church, such as modern slavery, euthanasia and abortion. Although he maintained the official doctrine, his pastoral and open tone made a significant difference, allowing new conversations within the Church and in international public opinion.