As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, we look back at the transformative and historic milestones of his 12-year pontificate. From his election on March 13, 2013, to his final months in 2025, Pope Francis reshaped the Catholic Church with a focus on mercy, humility, inclusivity, and care for the marginalized and the planet.
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2013 – A Humble Beginning
March 13: Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio is elected the 266th pope and takes the name Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi. He becomes the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope.
March 14: In a striking gesture of humility, Francis returns to his hotel personally to pay his bill and collect his luggage.
July 8: Makes first pastoral visit outside Rome to Lampedusa, highlighting the plight of migrants.
July 23-28: Attends World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro; over 3 million gather.
July 29: On his return flight, famously says: “Who am I to judge?” in reference to gay priests.
Nov. 24: Releases his first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”).
2014–2015 – Reform and Global Witness
Feb. 22, 2014: Creates 19 new cardinals from diverse nations.
March 22, 2014: Forms the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Sept. 2015: Visits Cuba and the United States; addresses a joint session of U.S. Congress, a papal first.
May 24, 2015: Publishes Laudato Si’, calling for urgent action on climate change.
2016–2017 – Mercy, Outreach, and Canonization
April 16, 2016: Brings 3 Muslim refugee families from Lesbos to Rome.
Sept. 4, 2016: Canonizes Mother Teresa.
May 13, 2017: Visits Fatima, Portugal, on the centenary of Marian apparitions.
2018–2019 – Scandal, Reform, and Fraternity
Aug. 2018: Revises Catechism to declare the death penalty “inadmissible.”
Feb. 2019: Signs Document on Human Fraternity in UAE with Islamic leader Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb.
Oct. 2019: Hosts Amazon Synod, sparking global debate.
2020–2021 – Pandemic and Firsts
March 27, 2020: Delivers iconic Urbi et Orbi blessing alone in rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square during COVID lockdown.
March 2021: Makes historic first papal visit to Iraq, meets Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
July 2021: Restricts Traditional Latin Mass via Traditionis Custodes.
2022–2023 – Physical Decline and Continued Travel
May 2022: Begins using wheelchair due to chronic knee issues.
July 2022: Issues public apology to Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Aug. 2023: Attends World Youth Day in Lisbon; visits Fatima again.
Sept. 2023: Becomes first pope to visit Mongolia.
2024 – Controversy and Dialogue
Dec. 2023: Vatican issues Fiducia Supplicans, allowing blessings for same-sex couples (non-liturgical), stirring global debate.
Feb. 2024: Canonizes Mama Antula with Argentina’s President Milei in attendance.
March 2024: Celebrates 11 years as pope amid health concerns.
2025 – Final Days and Legacy
Feb. 14, 2025: Admitted to Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis; later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
March 2025: Returns to Casa Santa Marta to continue recovery.
April 21, 2025: Passes away peacefully at 7:35 AM, aged 87.
Legacy
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church forever shaped by his calls for:
Mercy over judgment
Care for the environment
Inclusion of the marginalized
A Church “for the poor and of the poor”
His papacy is marked by profound humility, bold pastoral choices, and a commitment to dialogue in a divided world.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
