In brief
In March 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the first South American pope, signaling a shift towards the global south in the Catholic Church.
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio ascended to the papacy in March 2013, he made history by becoming Pope Francis, the first pope from South America and the first Jesuit to hold the position in over a millennium. At 76, he represented a bold choice by the cardinals, who aimed to reflect the church's growing following in the Southern Hemisphere, where the majority of Catholics reside.Rooted in Buenos Aires as the son of Italian immigrants, Francis became well-known for his humble and compassionate approach, advocating for the marginalized and living simply. His election came at a challenging time for the church, which faced a declining number of priests, increasing competition from evangelical movements, and a significant sexual abuse scandal that strained its reputation in the West. The decision to elect a non-European pope not only aimed to address these challenges but also to emphasize the need for a new direction for the Catholic community.The conclave preceding his election was marked by deep discussions on the future leadership and direction of the church, as highlighted by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn's remarks. He pointed out that the role of the pope transcends that of a corporate leader, emphasizing spiritual guidance over administrative prowess. With Pope Francis at the helm, the Catholic Church embarked on a transformative decade focused on humility, service, and engagement with global issues.
