Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected as the 266th pope in March 2013, marking a historic moment as the first South American and Jesuit pope. His election represented a decisive shift towards the global south, reflecting the demographic realities of the faith's followers. At 76, Bergoglio took on the formidable challenges facing the church, including a shortage of priests, competition from evangelical movements, and serious issues of governance and moral integrity, particularly related to the sexual abuse crisis. His choice indicates a broader vision for the church's future amidst significant trials.
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was selected as the 266th pontiff, he became the first South American pope and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
The cardinals sent a powerful message that the future of the church lay in the global south, which is home to the bulk of the world's Catholics.
Pope Francis inherited a church wrestling with many challenges, including a shortage of priests and a sexual abuse crisis undermining moral authority.
The conclave that elected Pope Francis followed intense discussions about the church's challenges and the criteria for its next leader.
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