VATICAN CITY ∙ Today, March 13, 2023 Pope Francis completes 10 years as head of the global Catholic Church. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, became Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. He is the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church and the first from outside Europe, the Jesuits and Latin American countries.
Pope Francis has opened a new chapter of reform within the Church. 330 synods were held all over the world and the Church was made more zealous. Efforts to make reforms in the church to suit the new age without compromising on religious matters have been successful. He also did not hesitate to apologize unconditionally for the Church's historical mistakes. Actions were taken against priests and bishops involved in child abuse and sex crimes. Strong efforts were also made to avoid financial irregularities in the church administration. Initiatives were taken to give representation to women in church administration and to recognize the rights of heterosexuals.
Pope Francis, a symbol of simplicity, has been able to increase the acceptance of the church in the new age. His open approach became a guide in international issues. He visited 60 countries and met with 440 heads of state. Time magazine's 'Person of the Year' honor came to Pope Francis before he completed a year as head of the church.
Pope Francis canonized 911 people, including Mother Teresa. 1355 people were blessed. Even at the age of 86, he is trying to fulfill his mission with vigor despite his health problems.
History’s first Latin American pope already has made his mark and could have even more impact in the years to come. Yet a decade ago, the Argentine Jesuit was so convinced he wouldn’t be elected as pope that he nearly missed the final vote as he chatted with a fellow cardinal outside the Sistine Chapel.
Notably, Pope Francis had a big learning curve on clergy sex abuse, initially downplaying the problem in ways that made survivors question whether he “got it.” He had his wake-up call five years into his pontificate after a problematic visit to Chile.
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