In 2013, the world witnessed a momentous shift within the Catholic Church as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., became Pope Francis. His election on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, marked the beginning of a new era characterized by humility, outreach, and a profound focus on the peripheries of society. From his first moments on the balcony of St. Peter’s Square, choosing the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he signaled a departure from tradition and a return to the core values of compassion and service.
Election and Conclave of 2013
The conclave that elected Pope Francis was shrouded in intrigue and swift action. After the resignation of Benedict XVI became effective on February 28, 2013, the College of Cardinals gathered in Rome. What followed was one of the fastest conclaves in modern history, culminating on the fifth ballot. Cardinal Bergoglio’s selection was seen as a surprise, breaking the trend of prioritizing diplomatic or theological credentials. His identity as a Jesuit from Argentina, a region often overlooked in previous papal selections, immediately set a new tone for the papacy.
First Acts and Symbolism
From the outset, Pope Francis distinguished himself through symbolic gestures that spoke louder than words. He declined the papal gold-plated Mercedes, opting instead for a simple Ford Focus. He chose to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace. His early appointments signaled a preference for pastoral leaders over bureaucratic insiders, and his decision to wash the feet of prisoners, including a Muslim woman, demonstrated a radical inclusivity that captivated global media.
Core Themes of His Pontificate
The initial year of 2013 established the foundational themes of his reign: mercy, poverty, and dialogue. He frequently spoke against the "idolatry of money" and critiqued economic inequality. His apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), released in 2013, became a manifesto for his vision, urging the Church to be a "field hospital" that tends to the wounds of the faithful and the marginalized. This document emphasized the joy found in evangelizing and the dangers of spiritual worldliness.
Advocacy for the poor and economic justice.
Emphasis on mercy over rigid legalism within the Church.
Call for a simpler, more transparent Church administration.
Focus on interfaith dialogue and environmental stewardship.
Global Impact and Diplomacy
Pope Francis quickly emerged as a significant global figure, leveraging his platform to address political and humanitarian issues. In 2013, he played a behind-the-scenes role in restoring diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, a breakthrough that thawed decades of hostility. His direct communication with world leaders, often bypassing traditional protocol, reinforced his image as a pragmatic peacemaker willing to engage with secular powers on matters of common good.
Environmental Stewardship
Although his landmark encyclical Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home) would be published in 2015, the groundwork for this environmental focus was evident early in his pontificate. In 2013, he began framing ecological degradation as a moral and social justice issue, linking the care of creation to the plight of the poor. This holistic approach to ecology distinguished him as a leader concerned with the entire planet and its inhabitants.
