A Humble Beginning

Before we explore how long was Pope Francis pope, let’s know the man himself. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936. His family was of Italian descent, and he grew up in a modest, loving home. Before becoming a priest, he worked as a chemical technician and even enjoyed dancing! He felt a calling to serve God and joined the Jesuit order, known for its focus on education and poverty.

He became a priest in 1969 and later, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. As archbishop, he lived simply, taking the bus and cooking his own meals. This humility prepared him for his future role. When he became pope, he chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who loved the poor and nature. This choice told the world his papacy would be about compassion, service, and renewal.

The Historic Election

The world watched closely in February 2013. Pope Benedict XVI had resigned, a rare event in Church history. This set the stage for a Vatican conclave where cardinals gathered to elect the next pope. On March 13, 2013, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The new pope was announced to a waiting crowd in St. Peter’s Square.

For the first time ever, the new pope was from the Americas—a Jesuit from Argentina. His first actions were powerful. He bowed and asked the people to pray for him before he blessed them. This humble gesture won hearts instantly. His papacy began not with grandeur, but with a request for prayer. This moment marked the start of answering our main question: how long was Pope Francis pope began on that beautiful spring day.

Papacy Timeline & Legacy

So, how long was Pope Francis pope exactly? As of today, Pope Francis has been the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church for over a decade. He was elected on March 13, 2013. This means his papacy has lasted for more than 11 years and continues. That’s over 4,000 days of guidance, travel, teaching, and reform.

To put it in perspective, when he started, smartphones were just becoming common. Now, he uses social media to share messages of peace! Each year of his papacy has brought new focus: from reforming Vatican finances early on to addressing climate change with his encyclical “Laudato Si'” in 2015. His tenure is already one of the longest in modern history. Understanding how long was Pope Francis pope shows us a period of significant change and steady, compassionate leadership in a fast-moving world.