In March 2013, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Francis. His election marked a significant shift in the papacy, with Pope Francis being the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas.
Pope Francis's approach to leadership emphasized humility, compassion, and a focus on social justice. His gestures, such as washing the feet of prisoners during Holy Week and living in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the papal apartment, reflected his commitment to simplicity and outreach to marginalized communities.
The Pope’s emphasis on addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change resonated globally. He called for reform within the Church, addressing issues of sexual abuse and financial transparency. His encyclical "Laudato Si'," released in 2015, highlighted environmental stewardship and the need for global action on climate change.
Pope Francis’s tenure in 2013 set the tone for his papacy, influencing the direction of the Catholic Church and its engagement with contemporary social and moral issues. His leadership marked a new era for the Church, characterized by a focus on inclusivity and global social responsibility.