Election and papacy start date
Pope Francis became pope on 13 March 2103, when the Cardinal Electors gathered in a conclave following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was elected on the second ballot and accepted the election. He chose the regnal name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. His papal inauguration took place on 19 March 2013, marking the formal beginning of his pontificate.
Immediate predecessor context
Pope Francis succeeded Benedict XVI, whose unexpected resignation on 28 February 2013 was the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. Benedict cited declining health and the need to devote himself to prayer as reasons for stepping down. Francis was elected shortly thereafter and has since emphasized a pastoral, reform-oriented style focused on mercy, inclusion, and church governance.
Biographical snapshot: key dates and roles
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio | Official biographies |
| Date of birth | 17 December 1936 | Vatican records |
| Birthplace | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Official biographies |
| Elected pope | 13 March 2013 | Holy See press office |
| Papal inauguration | 19 March 2013 | Vatican liturgical records |
| Previous roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998–2013), Cardinal (2001) | Holy See press office |
From Jorge Bergoglio to Pope Francis
Before his election, Bergoglio served as a Jesuit priest, bishop, and leader in Argentina. As archbishop, he was known for modest living, social outreach, and dialogue across faiths. His election as the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas was seen as a milestone. Taking the name Francis signaled a pastoral focus and a commitment to serving the poor.
Papal priorities and public perception
During his pontificate, Francis has prioritized poverty, climate action, migration, and reform of church institutions, notably through the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium and the post-synodal apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit. He has embraced informal, accessible communication, often criticizing clericalism and calling for a "poor church for the poor." While generally well-received globally, his leadership has also sparked debate on church teaching and governance.
Comparative context: recent papal transitions
| Pope | Papacy start | Context of election |
|---|---|---|
| Pope Benedict XVI | 19 April 2005 | Elected after John Paul II’s death; resigned 28 February 2013 |
| Pope Francis | 13 March 2013 | Elected after Benedict’s resignation; incumbent |
Key takeaways
- Pope Francis became pope on 13 March 2013, elected during a conclave after Benedict XVI’s resignation.
- His papal inauguration occurred on 19 March 2013, and he has served continuously since then.
- The conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who took the name Francis to emphasize pastoral care and humility.
Commonly asked questions
Because the circumstances involved a resignation rather than a death, this transition sometimes raises questions about timing and continuity. Below are concise clarifications on frequent points of confusion.
Why did Benedict’s resignation affect the timing?
The resignation created the first papal vacancy in nearly 600 years. The conclave to elect Francis was convened in March 2013, leading to his election on 13 March and inauguration on 19 March.
Was Francis the first non-European pope in centuries?
While Francis is the first pope from the Americas, he is not the first from outside Europe in modern times. Previous non-European popes include those from Syria and elsewhere in earlier centuries; however, Francis remains the first from Latin America.