Pope Francis’ Election Anniversary: A Journey Through Papal History
The Vatican said more than 6.6 million people attended events with Pope Francis from his election in March to the end of 2013.
Introduction: The Day That Changed the Catholic Church
Picture this: thousands of faithful crowded into St. Peter’s Square, eyes glued to a small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. Suddenly, on the evening of March 13, 2013, white smoke billowed into the sky – the traditional signal that a new pope had been elected. Moments later, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
It was a historic moment that resonated far beyond the Vatican. The pope isn’t just another religious leader; he is the spiritual head of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, a figure with enormous global influence. No wonder Catholics everywhere (including many in East Africa) were glued to their TVs and radios that day – the Church was entering a new era.
As of 2021, the global Catholic population stands at approximately 1.36 billion, representing 17.7% of the world's population.
The distribution of Catholics across continents is as follows:
- Americas: 48% of Catholics reside here, with 28% in South America.
-Africa: 18.7% of Catholics, totaling around 256 million individuals.
-Europe: 21.2% of the global Catholic population.
-Asia: Approximately 11% of Catholics are in Asia.
-Oceania: 0.8% of the Catholic population is in Oceania.
Notably, Africa has experienced significant growth in its Catholic population, adding 8.3 million individuals between 2020 and 2021, while Europe saw a decline of 244,000 Catholics during the same period.
Why does a papal election matter so much? The pope is often considered one of the world's most powerful people, not because he wields armies or economies, but because of his moral and spiritual influence across the globe.
The election of a new pope invariably commands global media attention, as evidenced by the extensive coverage following Pope Francis's election in 2013, which drew thousands of journalists from over 80 countries to the Vatican.
When Pope Francis was chosen, people sensed this was “a day that changed the Catholic Church.” And indeed, Pope Francis has brought a new style and focus to the papacy (more on that later).
Fast forward to today, and Pope Francis’s leadership remains deeply relevant – so much so that when he faced a health scare recently, the world held its breath. In March 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized for a respiratory infection and spent several days in a Rome hospital. At 88 years old, any health issue sparks concern. Crowds prayed for his recovery, and messages poured in. One faithful in Argentina pleaded, “If the Pope could listen to us, I would tell him that we need him because the reform that he faced is not finished”.
This heartfelt sentiment shows why his role matters: Catholics see Francis as a guiding force for change and continuity in their Church.
Pope Francis has faced criticism from some Catholics who view his reforms as overly radical. For instance, his 2016 apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia sparked debate by suggesting that divorced and civilly remarried Catholics could, under certain circumstances, receive the sacraments—a stance perceived by critics as a departure from traditional doctrine. Additionally, his 2021 apostolic letter Traditionis custodes imposed new restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass, leading some traditionalist groups to accuse him of undermining liturgical heritage. More recently, the 2023 declaration Fiducia supplicans allowed blessings for same-sex couples, prompting figures like Cardinal Gerhard Müller to label the move as "sacrilegious and blasphemous."
Pope Francis greets hospital workers at Gemelli hospital in this file photo taken in Rome July 11, 2021, when the pope had been in the hospital for 10 days to recover from a scheduled colon surgery.
(CNS photo/Vatican Media)
In this blog post, to celebrate the anniversary of Pope Francis’s election, we’ll journey through some papal history – from the ancient roots of the papacy, to the dramatic way popes are chosen, to the unique qualities of Pope Francis’s tenure. Whether you’re a newcomer to Catholic traditions or just curious, let’s explore this fascinating legacy in an engaging, accessible way. Along the ride, you’ll find fun facts, surprising stories (did you know one papal election took three years to conclude?), and a sense of why the pope – and especially Pope Francis – is such a big deal worldwide.
A Throne Unlike Any Other: The Ancient Roots of the Papacy
The papacy is an ancient institution – nearly 2,000 years old – with origins that Catholics trace back to a simple fisherman from Galilee: Saint Peter. According to Catholic tradition, Saint Peter was the leader of Jesus’s apostles and the first Bishop of Rome, hand-picked by Jesus as the rock on which the Church would be built. Every pope since is considered Peter’s spiritual successor in an unbroken line. Talk about a long-running legacy! The “Throne of Peter” (as the papal office is often called) is unlike any other, blending spiritual authority with a rich tapestry of history.
Over the centuries, the papacy has seen it all – triumphs and trials, saints and scoundrels. It’s one of the most enduring institutions in human history, having played a prominent role in events from the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages and into modern times.
In ancient Rome, early popes helped spread Christianity throughout the empire. During the medieval era, popes sometimes acted as power-brokers, even mediating disputes between kings and emperors.
The influence of the Catholic Church seeped into art, science, philosophy, and politics, leaving a lasting imprint on global culture.
Saint Peter - the very first pope
Saint Peter holds a foundational role in Catholicism, recognized as the first pope and leader of the early Church.
According to Catholic tradition, Jesus designated Peter as the "rock" upon which the Church would be built, entrusting him with the "keys of the kingdom of heaven," symbolizing authority and leadership.
Saint Peter's exact dates of leadership are not definitively established, but Catholic tradition holds that he led the early Christian Church from approximately AD 30 until his martyrdom around AD 64.
Fun fact: for much of history, popes weren’t just spiritual leaders but temporal rulers too. From the 8th century until 1870, the popes governed the Papal States, a swath of territory in Italy, wielding political power like kings.
(Imagine the Pope as a sort of king-bishop – that was the reality in Renaissance times.) It wasn’t until 1929 that the Pope’s domain shrank to the tiny independent Vatican City we know today.
Today, Vatican City is the world’s smallest country, and the pope is its head of state – complete with his own Swiss Guard army in colorful uniforms! This unique history is why the papacy carries such mystique.
The Pope’s title, “Pontifex Maximus” (Latin for “great bridge-builder”), even harkens back to ancient Rome. In ancient Rome, the title Pontifex Maximus referred to the chief high priest overseeing religious affairs. This role was later assumed by Roman emperors, integrating religious authority with imperial power. Following Emperor Gratian's renunciation of the title in the late 4th century, it fell into disuse. Centuries later, during the Renaissance, the popes adopted Pontifex Maximus as part of their official titles, symbolizing their supreme authority within the Catholic Church.
In short, when Pope Francis stands in the shoes of the Fisherman (Peter), he also stands on the shoulders of centuries of tradition.
How Popes Are Elected: The Secretive and Dramatic Conclave
Fumata Nera —no pope selected yet!
So how are popes selected or elected, anyway? When a pope passes away (or very rarely, resigns), the Church turns to a centuries-old, secretive process called a conclave. The word conclave literally comes from Latin cum clave, meaning “locked with a key”- and that gives you a hint of how it works! In a conclave, the College of Cardinals (the most senior Catholic clergy from around the world) are literally locked inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote for the next pope, cut off from outside communication. This process is part sacred ritual, part high-stakes election, and it’s absolutely dramatic.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a papal conclave and its traditions:
Gathering of Cardinals: All cardinals under the age of 80 travel to Rome. Fifteen days after the papacy becomes vacant, they begin the conclave in the Sistine Chapel (yes, under Michelangelo’s famous ceiling!). The doors are then sealed shut.
Secret Ballots: The cardinals vote in a series of rounds (up to four rounds a day). To elect a new pope, one candidate must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes. It can take one ballot or many – there’s no telling how the Spirit (and politicking) might move.
Smoke Signals: After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Chemicals are added to produce either black or white smoke from the chapel chimney. Black smoke means no decision yet (the ballots burned without a decisive winner), so the world watching outside should not cheer yet.
White smoke, however, means Habemus Papam – “We have a Pope!” – the ballots have yielded a valid election.
This quirky smoke signal tradition has been used for centuries and builds incredible suspense for onlookers in St. Peter’s Square. (In the past, people would sometimes misjudge the smoke color – causing a few false alarms – but nowadays the Vatican also rings bells when a pope is chosen, just to be clear.)
During a papal conclave, the College of Cardinals uses smoke signals to communicate the progress of their voting process.
Once white smoke appears, bells peal and the faithful rejoice. Shortly after, the new pope steps out to greet the world. The period of waiting in the square, eyes on that little chimney, is an experience Catholics describe as thrilling and moving – it’s not every day you witness the selection of a new spiritual father.
Fun Fact: The longest papal election in history dragged on for 34 long months (1268–1271) – nearly three years without a pope!.
The cardinals were deadlocked for so long that the local authorities in Viterbo (the town where they were meeting) resorted to extreme measures: they locked the cardinals in, put them on a diet of bread and water, and even removed the roof of the building to expose them to the elements, hoping to speed things up! Eventually the cardinals elected Pope Gregory X and mercifully ended the stalemate. This fiasco led to reforms – essentially, rules to keep cardinals secluded cum clave (with a key) until they choose someone – to prevent such deadlocks in the future.
Thank goodness modern conclaves usually last just a couple of days! The most recent conclaves, like the one that elected Pope Francis, have been relatively swift (Francis was elected on the fifth ballot of the 2013 conclave). But whether short or long, conclaves are always dramatic and steeped in prayerful suspense.
A Pope of Firsts: Why Francis’ Election Was Historic
When Cardinal Bergoglio became Pope Francis in 2013, he didn’t just take on a new role – he shattered several precedents in one go. Francis’s election was truly historic, giving the world a pope of “firsts”:
First Latin American Pope: Francis is the first pope from the Americas (hailing from Argentina in South America). In fact, he’s the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years – the last one before him was from Syria, way back in the 8th century!
First Jesuit Pope: He’s the first Jesuit to become pope. The Jesuits (Society of Jesus) are a Catholic religious order known for education and missionary work, and they take special vows of humility – perhaps a clue to Francis’s later style.
First Pope named “Francis”: Upon his election, he chose the papal name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, who renounced wealth and lived simply. This was the first time any pope took that name, signaling a new emphasis on humility and care for the poor.
First non-European in modern era: As noted, he broke the European monopoly on the papacy in the modern era. For more than a millennium, popes had all been from Europe (most from Italy). Francis’s papacy showed the truly global face of Catholicism – a Church that is growing most rapidly in places like Africa, Asia, and Latin America – by putting a man from “the ends of the earth” (as Francis described his homeland) at its helm.
Beyond these “firsts,” Pope Francis immediately showed a different style of leadership – one rooted in simplicity and warmth. He famously greeted the crowd on his election night with a casual “Buona sera” (“Good evening”), and asked the people to pray for him before he gave them his blessing. This was a small gesture, but it felt fresh and humble, and many Catholics in East Africa and around the world found it endearing.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the eldest of five children to Italian immigrants Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori.
His surviving immediate family includes his younger sister, María Elena Bergoglio, who resides in Argentina. Additionally, his niece, Cristina Bergoglio, is a painter based in Madrid, Spain.
Francis’s humble beginnings help explain his approach. Born in Buenos Aires in 1936 as the son of Italian immigrants, Bergoglio grew up in a modest family, and even as a high-ranking churchman he kept a low profile. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived modestly, rode the bus, cooked his own meals, and often walked through the poor neighborhoods (slums) of the city to minister to people.
He was known simply as “Padre Jorge” by many of the poor families he visited. This down-to-earth lifestyle was a world apart from the regal trappings some earlier popes had. Little wonder that after becoming Pope, Francis declined many of the usual luxuries: he chose to live in a simple Vatican guesthouse instead of the grand Apostolic Palace, and he traded the papal Mercedes for a modest Ford Focus car.
Fun Fact: In the first days of his papacy, Pope Francis slipped out of the Vatican to personally pay his hotel bill at the clergy residence where he’d been staying during the conclave. Yes, the pope himself insisted on paying the bill to set a good example, surprising the staff (and probably alarming his security detail)! He also was often seen carrying his own luggage. Such small gestures earned him a reputation as the “People’s Pope.” Vatican staff even recount how he would join them for meals and joke around, eschewing the formalities that usually surround the pontiff.
Pope Francis is renowned for his humble, down-to-earth character—illustrated by instances where he personally carried his own bag, a gesture that underscores his commitment to simplicity and service.
This small act of modesty resonates with many who see it as a symbol of his approachable and unpretentious leadership.
Beyond style, Pope Francis brought new pastoral priorities. He has a heart for the poor and marginalized – something he made clear from the get-go. A central theme of Francis’s papacy has been championing the poor and oppressed and reaching out beyond the Catholic fold.
In fact, in his very first Holy Week as Pope, he made headlines by visiting a youth prison and washing the feet of inmates, including women and Muslims – a break from protocol that underscored his message of humility and service. East African Catholics, many of whom face poverty and social challenges, have often voiced appreciation for a pope who “walks the talk” of caring for the least fortunate. Francis’s famous quote, “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets,” resonates strongly in communities that want a more inclusive, compassionate church.
In short, Pope Francis’s election was historic not only for the records it broke, but for the renewed spirit it injected into the papacy. He showed that being pope isn’t about opulence and power – it’s about being a humble servant. This was a refreshing message that endeared him to many across the globe, including newcomers to the faith who might have previously seen the Church as distant or too formal. Pope Francis made it a point to smile, to embrace people (famously hugging persons with disfiguring illnesses, comforting refugees, and even posing for selfies with young fans). This approachable style differed from some of his more reserved predecessors and signaled a “Pope of firsts” in more ways than one.
The Global History of Popes: Where Have They Come From?
Francis’s rise also prompts an interesting question: historically, where do popes usually come from? The answer might surprise you. Out of the 266 popes to date, the vast majority – 217 of them – have been from Italy.
For centuries, being the Bishop of Rome was nearly synonymous with being Italian, since Rome is in Italy. In fact, from 1523 until 1978, every single pope was Italian. This long Italian dominance only changed late in the 20th century with the elections of a Polish pope (John Paul II in 1978), a German pope (Benedict XVI in 2005), and then Francis from Argentina in 2013.
After Italy, the country with the next highest number of popes is France, with 16 popes in history.
There have been a handful from other European regions: a few from Germany, a few from Spain, and some from places that were once part of older empires (like three from the region of modern Greece, and a couple from Syria in the early Church).
No pope has ever come from the United States, and generally popes from outside Europe have been extremely rare – making Francis’s election all the more groundbreaking.
What about Africa and the Middle East? It might surprise you to learn that three early popes came from the African continent.
Africa is the cradle of three of the most important popes of the first centuries: Victor I, Miltiades, and Gelasius I – leading figures who played a significant role in shaping the Church.
These were in the first centuries of the Church, when North Africa was part of the Roman Empire and a thriving center of Christianity. The African popes include Pope Victor I (189–199 AD), Pope Miltiades (311–314 AD), and Pope Gelasius I (492–496 AD).
They likely hailed from the region of modern-day Tunisia or thereabouts. However, since Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century, there hasn’t been another African pope in 1,500+ years. Similarly, a few popes in antiquity were from what we now call the Middle East (Syria/Israel). Pope Gregory III, who died in 741, was born in Syria – he was the last non-European pope before Francis. So, for a very long time, the papacy was a European affair.
Fun Fact: In the late 14th century, there was a bizarre episode known as the Western Schism where there were actually two – even three – rival claimants to the papacy at one time.
Due to political divisions, one pope reigned in Rome while another (an “antipope”) set up court in Avignon, France, and yet another was later elected by a group of cardinals in Pisa. This meant that at one point in 1409, three men simultaneously claimed to be the true pope, each with their own followers and even their own appointed cardinals – a true ecclesiastical crisis!
The matter was so confusing that it took the Council of Constance in 1417 to sort it all out, deposing the rival claimants and electing a compromise candidate (Pope Martin V) to end the schism. The Western Schism is a favorite topic for church historians (and a head-scratcher for everyone else), but it highlights how unusual and chaotic deviations from the one-pope norm have been. In the end, only one man at a time can sit on “Peter’s throne,” and today the idea of multiple popes is just a quirky historical footnote.
Considering this global history, Pope Francis’s background as an Argentine is a significant symbol of the Church’s diversity.
It reflects that Catholicism is truly a universal church, not confined to Europe. In East Africa, many faithful found encouragements in Francis’s election, hoping that someday the “Pope from the ends of the earth” might even be followed by a Pope from Africa. (After all, countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have growing Catholic populations and respected cardinals – who knows what the future holds?) Francis himself has elevated several Africans to the rank of cardinal, increasing the chances that one day the conclave might look to the Global South again for a leader.
Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga from Central African Republic
In any case, understanding where popes have come from helps us appreciate just how momentous it was to see the white smoke announce a Latin American pope in 2013. It was a nod to the changing demographics of Catholicism and a bridge between the old world and the new.
When Popes Resign: A Rare but Pivotal Moment
Catholics often say, “Popes don’t retire – they expire.” For most of history, popes have indeed served until death. However, there are a few extraordinary exceptions when a pope has resigned (also called papal renunciation). It’s a dramatic decision that shakes the Church, because it hadn’t happened for centuries – until the case of Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict XVI (2013): Citing his declining strength of “mind and body,” Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign on his own initiative since Celestine V.
In February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world by announcing his resignation due to advanced age and health. On Feb. 28, 2013, at 85 years old, Benedict became the first pope in nearly 600 years to step down from the papacy willingly.
The last time anything similar had happened was in 1415! Let’s look at the very short list of popes who resigned and why:
Pope Celestine V (1294): A saintly hermit who was elected pope in his 80s, Celestine V found himself overwhelmed by the office. He famously issued a decree clarifying that a pope could resign – and then promptly resigned himself after only five months in office.He wanted to return to a quiet life of prayer. (Fun fact: Celestine V’s story even inspired part of a novel by Dante Alighieri!) His resignation was so unusual for the time that it set a precedent recorded in Canon Law.
Pope Gregory XII (1415): During the Western Schism mentioned earlier, there were multiple claimants to the papacy. Gregory XII, the legitimate pope in Rome, agreed to resign in 1415 to end the schism, on the condition that the rival (antipope) also resign so a new universally recognized pope could be elected. His sacrifice helped restore unity – and indeed, after he resigned, the Council of Constance elected Pope Martin V, resolving the crisis. Gregory XII’s resignation was the last before the modern era.
He was also the first to relinquish the office since Gregory XII in 1415, ending an almost 600-year stretch of popes reigning until death. Benedict’s resignation, announced in Latin to a gathering of cardinals, took the world by surprise – popes stepping down was something Catholics alive today had never seen. He then took the title “Pope Emeritus” and retreated to a quiet life of prayer inside Vatican City, allowing the conclave to elect Pope Francis.
Because papal resignations are so rare, they are pivotal moments that raise many questions: What do you call an ex-pope? (Answer: Pope Emeritus.) Will he still influence the new pope? How will people react? In Benedict’s case, the transition was smooth – he stayed out of the spotlight, giving Francis full freedom to lead. But the mere fact that Benedict resigned has made Catholics more open to the idea that future popes might do the same if necessary.
Could Pope Francis ever retire like Benedict did? It’s a question many ask, especially as Francis ages and deals with health issues. Pope Francis has praised Benedict’s decision as a brave act of humility and has said that he would be open to resignation if his health seriously impeded him from doing his duties. He indicated that if he became gravely incapacitated or “too tired” to see things clearly, he would consider stepping down. However, he’s also made it clear this isn’t on the immediate horizon – he’s still carrying on energetically for now. In a recent interview, Francis joked that the papacy is a lifelong mission and that he’d only quit “if I feel I can’t go on.” So, while it’s possible Francis might resign someday (and Church law absolutely allows it), for the moment he continues to serve, and Catholics pray for his strength.
Understanding that popes can resign (even though it’s uncommon) is important for newcomers to Catholic history. It shows that the papacy, while a sacred office, is held by human beings who face limits and sometimes make unprecedented choices for the good of the Church. Benedict’s resignation in 2013 was a powerful reminder that the well-being of the Church comes first – even a pope can say, “It’s better for someone else to take over now.” That humility in leadership is part of Benedict’s legacy, and Francis has kept that door open for himself or future popes should the need arise.
Pope Francis’ Health and the Future of the Papacy
Pope Francis turned 88 in December 2024, and like many elderly people, he has had his share of health challenges. In recent years, the pope has undergone colon surgery (in 2021) and struggles with chronic knee pain that often requires him to use a wheelchair or cane. In late March 2023, he scared Catholics worldwide by being hospitalized for a respiratory infection – essentially a severe bronchitis that made it hard for him to breathe. The Vatican assured everyone it was not COVID-19, and after a few days of treatment, Francis recovered and was back to work. Still, the sight of the pope in a hospital bed drove home the reality of his age. More recently, in early 2025, he had another health crisis involving bronchitis and was treated for “double pneumonia,” according to the Vatican – a reminder that the pope is very much mortal. Each time these incidents happen; they spark concern and also gentle conversations about what the Church might look like in a post-Francis era.
Despite these health issues, Pope Francis has remained remarkably active. He has kept up a busy schedule of travel and public appearances. For example, even after acknowledging that he needed to slow down a bit, Francis visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in early 2023, bringing hope to those nations.
He also traveled to places like Canada, Kazakhstan, and Bahrain, and continued to hold weekly audiences and lead major ceremonies. His resilience inspires many – he often says jokingly, “It’s the prayers of the people keeping me going.” However, he has also sensibly started to prepare the Church for the future, appointing younger cardinals and streamlining Vatican governance, just in case he can’t carry on at some point.
All this raises a big question: Who will be the next pope, and what will the papacy look like after Francis? Vatican watchers and Catholics around the world have been quietly speculating about Francis’s potential successors (we call such speculation “papabili” talk – papabili means “pope-able” or likely candidates for the papacy). Of course, there’s no way to know whom the Holy Spirit and the cardinals will choose, and there could always be a surprise. But that doesn’t stop people from guessing! Some of the prominent names often mentioned in succession discussions include:
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Currently the Vatican Secretary of State (essentially the pope’s top diplomat), Parolin is a seasoned figure in Rome.
He’s known for being diplomatic and even-keeled. As an Italian with deep Curia experience, he’s often seen as a front-runner.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): A highly respected African cardinal, Turkson has held important Vatican posts (on social justice and peace issues) and has a warm, pastoral demeanor.
If elected, he would be the first African pope in over 1,500 years. His global south perspective and experience in interfaith dialogue are strong points.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Often just called “Cardinal Chito” by those who love him, Tagle is from Asia’s largest Catholic nation, the Philippines.
He currently oversees a major Vatican office (Evangelization of Peoples) and is known for his charisma and connection with young people. He’s sometimes referred to as the “Asian Francis” because of his humility and simplicity (he even sings and plays guitar with youths!). Many see him as a possible future pope who would continue Francis’s emphasis on the peripheries.
Of course, these are just a few examples. Other names you might hear include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy (an advocate for peace and charity), Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Canada, or perhaps an up-and-coming cardinal from Latin America or Africa. Any baptized Catholic man is technically eligible to be elected pope, but for the last several centuries, it’s always been one of the cardinals. There are currently 120 or so cardinal electors who would vote in a conclave, and Pope Francis has appointed the majority of them, which might suggest they will pick someone who shares his pastoral vision. Still, conclaves often hold surprises – Jorge Bergoglio himself was not widely tipped as the top choice in 2013, yet here he is as Pope Francis!
For the Catholic Church, especially in regions like East Africa that are young and growing in faith, the future of the papacy is an exciting topic. Will the next pope be another non-European, perhaps an African or Asian this time? Will he continue on Francis’s path of a “poor Church for the poor,” or will he have a different emphasis? These questions are on many minds. What’s certain is that the role of the pope will continue to evolve with the times. In the 21st century, popes not only lead in prayer and doctrine, but also address global issues like climate change (Francis even wrote an encyclical Laudato Si’ on caring for creation), migration, and social justice. They engage with technology (yes, the Pope tweets from @Pontifex!) and speak out on peace and conflict, as Francis has done regarding wars and humanitarian crises.
An aging pope like Francis has already begun to delegate more and empower others in the Vatican – for example, he has appointed more laypeople and women to important Vatican roles than any pope before, indicating a collegial style.
This could be part of his legacy: strengthening institutions so they function smoothly even if a pope becomes frail. Regardless of who comes next, Pope Francis has set certain themes in motion – mercy, humility, and a outward-looking Church – that many hope will continue. And if he ever decides to enjoy a well-deserved retirement, he’s given the Church a modern precedent for how a pontiff can gracefully step aside, much as Benedict XVI did for him.
For now, Catholics (including East African newcomers and long-timers alike) continue to pray for Pope Francis’s health. They know that, ultimately, the papacy is in God’s hands. As one Vatican official put it, “We trust the Holy Spirit – he’s gotten us this far!” The future, with its unknown successor, is approached with faith and a bit of healthy curiosity.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Pope Francis and What Lies Ahead
As we mark the anniversary of Pope Francis’s election, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on his legacy and what it means for the Church and the world. In a little over a decade, Francis has made his mark as a pope of compassion, simplicity, and bold gestures. He has changed the tone of the papacy – from a monarch on a throne to a shepherd who smells of his sheep (to use one of his favorite metaphors). He has emphasized issues that resonate globally, especially in places like Africa and Asia: caring for the poor, dialoguing with other faiths, and protecting our common home (the Earth). A central dimension of Francis’s papacy has been championing the poor and oppressed and seeking to include everyone in the embrace of the Church.
He famously said, “The Church is a field hospital after battle,” implying that it should be tending wounds and not sitting in judgement. This inclusive, merciful approach has won the hearts of many who felt distant from the Church before.
Historically, each pope leaves a distinct legacy. John Paul II is remembered for helping end the Cold War and inspiring youth, Benedict XVI for his theological intellect and humility in retiring. Francis will likely be remembered for his humility, his reformist spirit, and his global perspective. He brought the papacy to the slums, the refugee camps, and the peripheries. He also pushed forward internal reforms: cleaning up Vatican finances, overhauling the Vatican bureaucracy, and confronting issues like clergy abuse with a firmer hand (though some critics feel it’s not enough, he has made strides). He has expanded the College of Cardinals to be more representative of the world’s diversity – which means the future leadership of the Church will likely continue to be global. He’s also been a strong voice on climate change – even declaring it a serious moral issue – and on international peace, often acting as a mediator in conflicts.
In March 2021, during his historic visit to Iraq, Pope Francis met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, marking a significant moment in Christian-Muslim relations. This meeting underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect between religious communities.
The role of the papacy in modern society continues to evolve, and Francis embodied that. He has engaged not just in religious activities but in diplomacy (helping restore relations between the US and Cuba, for example), humanitarian appeals (like negotiating aid corridors in conflicts), and interfaith initiatives (he made a historic visit to Iraq and met with Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani, a Muslim leader, to promote peace). All this shows the papacy adapting to a 21st-century context where spiritual leadership and worldly affairs intersect.
For East African Catholics and others in the developing world, Francis’s stance has often empowered local churches to speak out on governance, corruption, and social ills, knowing the pope has their back in advocating for justice and ethics in public life.
As Pope Francis’s tenure eventually winds down – whether by age or choice – the Catholic community can celebrate what has been a remarkable chapter in the story of the papacy. His election on that night in March 2013 truly was “the day that changed the Catholic Church” in many ways. It reminded everyone that the Church is alive and full of surprises, guided by a spirit that can break through old boundaries. The journey through papal history, from Saint Peter to Francis, shows a continuity of faith through changing times. Each pope builds on the work of those before him, while addressing the challenges of his own time.
The Pope’s favorite title for himself is not “Supreme Pontiff” or “Vicar of Christ” (official titles), but rather “Servant of the servants of God.” That mindset is something all of us – whether Catholic or not – can learn from. It’s a leadership of humility and love that speaks across cultures and religions.
As we look ahead, we can only guess what lies in store for the next chapter. Will we see a new Pope who continues Francis’s legacy or carves out a new path? One day, maybe we’ll celebrate the election of the first African pope of the modern era, or another Latin American, or an Asian – truly reflecting the face of the global Church. Whatever happens, the Catholic Church will carry forward the rich history we’ve discussed: the ancient roots, the conclave traditions, the lessons of past popes, and the inspiration of Pope Francis.
Today, as we mark the 12th anniversary of his papacy, this heartfelt request resonates deeply. Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, 2025, battling double pneumonia. Recent updates indicate his condition is stable and improving, though he remains under medical care.
As he continues his recovery, the faithful are reminded of his enduring plea for prayers, underscoring our collective hope for his swift return to
“Pray for me”
In conclusion, Pope Francis’s election anniversary is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of a living tradition. It’s a chance to appreciate how far the Church has journeyed – from that small group of believers with Saint Peter, to a worldwide family led by a man from Argentina who chose the name Francis.
His journey is mankind’s journey, a reminder that history is still being written.
So, as it is said in Swahili, “Hongera!” (Congratulations) to Pope Francis on his anniversary.
And let’s look to the future with hope thatt whoever sits on the Chair of Saint Peter continues to guide with wisdom, compassion, and courage, just as Francis has endeavored to do.
As Pope Francis often ends his encounters: “Pray for me.” And indeed, Catholics everywhere pray for him and for the Church he leads – trusting that the same Holy Spirit that gave them a pope from the New World will continue to guide this nearly 2,000-year-old journey through new and uncharted waters.