Key points
- Pope Francis was elected in March 2013
- The late Pope signalled a new era for the Catholic Church
- His Papacy lasted 12 years
ISLAMABAD: When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio — the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis — stepped onto the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica in March 2013 right after his election as the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, he signalled a new era for the church.
The coming years saw him making groundbreaking gestures, powerful messages and moments that captured the world’s imagination.
Here are five unforgettable highlights from his 12-year papacy.
1. Washing the feet of prisoners (2013)
Just weeks after his election, Pope Francis broke tradition by washing the feet of young inmates — including women and Muslims — during Holy Thursday services. This humble act set the tone for a papacy focused on mercy, inclusivity, and outreach to the marginalised.
Late Pope Francis’ papacy was defined by kindness. (Photo by AP)
2. The historic visit to Iraq (2021)
In a daring show of solidarity, Francis became the first pope to visit Iraq. Amid security concerns and the shadow of past violence, his journey brought a message of peace to a battered Christian community and reinforced interfaith dialogue with Muslim leaders, including a meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
3. “Who am I to judge?” (2013)
When asked about gay priests, Francis responded with a phrase that resonated around the world: “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”
4. Laudato Si’ – A Papal Call for Climate Action (2015)
Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato Si’, urged the world to recognise the moral imperative of fighting climate change.
Framing environmental protection as a spiritual duty, he bridged faith and science, influencing both global leaders and grassroots movements.
5. Praying Alone in St Peter’s Square (2020)
As the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe, Pope Francis stood alone in a rain-slicked, empty St Peter’s Square to deliver an extraordinary “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
