Google Preferred Sources
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: ‘Jesus Revolution’ leader dies, Jan Hus excommunicated

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Pope Francis elected – March 13, 2013

Newly elected Pope Francis appears at the window of his future private apartment to bless the faithful, gathered below in St. Peter's Square, during the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican on March 17, 2013.
Newly elected Pope Francis appears at the window of his future private apartment to bless the faithful, gathered below in St. Peter's Square, during the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican on March 17, 2013. | Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi

This week marks the anniversary of when 76-year-old Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming Pope Francis.

The first Latin American to become pope, Francis was elected shortly after Pope Benedict XVI announced he was stepping down from the position, the first pontiff to do so since Pope Gregory XII in 1415.

“Let us pray for one another, let us pray for the whole world, let us have a big brotherhood. This journey for the Church that we will start today, let's open this journey and bear fruits for evangelism,” said Francis at the time.

Since his election 10 years ago, Francis has garnered much controversy for his views on homosexuality, atheism and illegal immigration, as well as mixed reactions over the Catholic Church’s handling of clergy sex abuse under his watch.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular