Overview
- On March 13, 2013, white smoke signaled the conclave’s decision before Cardinal Jean‑Louis Tauran proclaimed “Habemus Papam” for Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
- Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non‑European pontiff in more than 1,200 years.
- He was elected on the fifth ballot of the second day, reaching the required 77 votes and ultimately receiving 85, according to Argentine reports.
- His tenure emphasized Curia reform, social justice and ecological teaching, highlighted by Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti and by outreach that included a 2021 visit to Iraq.
- Argentine outlets report he died on April 22, 2025, at age 88 of a cerebral hemorrhage, with Pope León XIV identified as his successor.