Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected Pope, taking the name Francis on March 13, 2013

Francis became the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. Known for his humility and focus on the poor, Pope Francis quickly set a new tone for the Catholic Church – emphasizing social justice, financial reform, and interfaith dialogue. His election represented a historic shift and energized many Catholics, while also confronting the Church with fresh approaches to modern challenges.