Pope Francis' 2013 Election: A Look Back
Could a new Pope, chosen in a matter of days, truly reshape the course of the Catholic Church? On March 13, 2013, the election of Pope Francis marked a pivotal moment, signaling a shift in leadership and a renewed focus on compassion and social justice.
The papal conclave that led to this historic event, held in Vatican City on March 12 and 13, 2013, was convened to select a successor to Benedict XVI. Benedict XVI had made the unprecedented decision to resign on February 28, 2013, citing declining health. This act, the first papal resignation in nearly six centuries, set the stage for a conclave charged with selecting a leader during a period of significant challenges and evolving expectations for the Church.
The 2013 conclave itself was a relatively swift affair, lasting just two days. Of the 117 cardinal electors eligible to participate, all but two were present, underscoring the importance and urgency of the task. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, emerged as the chosen one on the fifth ballot. His election was met with both surprise and anticipation, as he was not considered a frontrunner in the days leading up to the conclave. After accepting his election, he chose the name Francis, a clear indication of the pontiff's intended focus on simplicity, humility, and service.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires, studied humanities, philosophy, and theology |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Priesthood Ordination | December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Consecration | June 27, 1992, as Titular Bishop of Auca |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998-2013 |
| Cardinal | Created a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II on February 21, 2001 |
| Papal Election | Elected Pope on March 13, 2013 |
| Pontificate Title | Pope Francis |
| Known For | Emphasis on mercy, social justice, care for the environment, and humility |
| Key Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
The election of Pope Francis was significant for several reasons. The swiftness of the conclave, one of the shortest in history, reflected a collective desire among the cardinals to address the pressing issues facing the Church. The choice of Bergoglio, an Argentinian Jesuit known for his humility and commitment to the poor, was seen as a deliberate move towards a more pastoral and inclusive papacy. His selection signaled a willingness to embrace change and address the challenges of the modern world with compassion and understanding.
One of the early indicators of Pope Francis's approach was his immediate focus on reaching out to those on the margins. Shortly after his election, he chose to visit the Italian island of Lampedusa, a primary entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. This gesture was a powerful statement of solidarity with the vulnerable and a condemnation of the suffering caused by migration. It underscored his emphasis on the dignity of every human life and his commitment to fighting injustice.
On March 19, 2013, Pope Francis presided over the Mass for the Solemn Inauguration of the Pontificate, a ceremony that further solidified his vision for the Church. The inauguration provided a platform for him to articulate his priorities and set the tone for his papacy. From the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he addressed the world with messages of fraternity and hope, setting the stage for his future teachings.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of mercy, compassion, and social justice. His first major document, the apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel), published in 2013, laid out his vision for a missionary Church that goes out to the peripheries, serving the poor and marginalized. The document called for a renewed focus on evangelization and the importance of encountering Jesus in the lives of others.
In the years that followed, Pope Francis continued to challenge the status quo and call for reforms within the Church. He has addressed issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the abuse of power. His encyclical "Laudato Si'" (On Care for Our Common Home), published in 2015, was a landmark document that connected environmental concerns with social justice, urging people to recognize the interconnectedness of all things and to care for the planet.
Pope Francis's approach to leadership has been marked by a willingness to listen, engage in dialogue, and embrace change. He has emphasized the importance of synodality, a process of listening to the voices of the faithful and seeking consensus. His pontificate has also been characterized by a greater openness to diverse perspectives and a willingness to address difficult issues head-on.
The influence of Benedict XVI, even after his resignation, played a role in the early days of Pope Francis's papacy. Pope Francis, on June 29, 2013, published the encyclical "Lumen Fidei" (The Light of Faith). This encyclical, which was largely the work of Benedict XVI, provided continuity in the teachings and offered a bridge between the two pontificates.
Pope Francis has continued to speak out on a range of social and political issues. From the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he has consistently delivered messages of peace and hope, particularly during times of international conflict and crisis. His commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting understanding and dialogue has further established his role as a leading moral voice on the world stage.
In the years following his election, Pope Francis has traveled extensively, visiting countries around the world to meet with people from all walks of life. His travels have reinforced his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and the promotion of human dignity. These journeys have provided him with opportunities to address diverse audiences, offer comfort, and inspire hope in the face of adversity.
Pope Francis, during his papacy, authored a variety of books, encyclicals, and other texts, including a memoir, "Hope". In his writings, he has consistently conveyed his core values and offered practical guidance for living a life of faith, service, and compassion.
On the night of his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis set the tone for his pontificate. From the balcony, he called for prayers, not only for himself but for the entire world, emphasizing fraternity. "Let us pray for the whole world, that there may be a great spirit of fraternity," he said. This declaration set the tone for his future teachings, which focused on the need for unity, social justice, and compassion.
The impact of Pope Francis extends beyond the Catholic Church. His leadership has inspired countless people around the world to reflect on their own values and consider their role in creating a more just and compassionate society. His emphasis on the importance of dialogue, understanding, and respect has resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds.
In 2013, the world watched as a new chapter began for the Catholic Church. The conclave that elected Pope Francis marked a significant transition, one that continues to shape the Church's mission and its relationship with the world. The election of Pope Francis has prompted a wider conversation around the world about the role of religion in the 21st century.
Pope Francis's emphasis on fraternity, particularly through his encyclical "Fratelli Tutti" (On Fraternity and Social Friendship), published in 2020, offers a roadmap for building a world based on solidarity, love, and respect for all. This encyclical calls for a renewed focus on universal human brotherhood and invites everyone to build bridges rather than walls.
Pope Francis has not shied away from addressing difficult topics. He has spoken openly about the challenges of modern life, including the impact of technology, the rise of individualism, and the need to address the root causes of social and economic inequality. His candor and willingness to engage in critical self-reflection have made his leadership all the more impactful.
His willingness to address challenging issues head-on has made him a subject of frequent news cycles, but his focus consistently remained on service and leading by example. The events surrounding his election, and the decisions made in its wake, continue to shape the Catholic Church and its role in the world.
