Pope Francis: A Humble Shepherd and His Legacy
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on March 13, 2013, the world was introduced to Pope Francis—the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. His papacy, marked by humility, inclusiveness, and reform, became a defining chapter in the modern Catholic Church.
How Long Was Pope Francis Pope?
Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church from March 13, 2013. As of today, his papacy has spanned over a decade, making him one of the longer-serving modern popes. His time as pontiff has been distinguished by efforts to decentralize the church, address clerical abuse scandals with transparency, and engage with global issues like climate change, economic inequality, and interfaith dialogue.
Whether or not Pope Francis is still in office depends on the current date, his health, and whether he chooses to resign—a path made more acceptable by Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013.
Who Is the Next Pope?
As of now, the Catholic Church has not named a successor. The next pope is chosen in a papal conclave, a secretive meeting of cardinals held in the Sistine Chapel. No frontrunner is guaranteed, but several cardinals have gained attention over the years—such as Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and others from Latin America and Africa.
The Church’s selection often surprises the world, as it did with Pope Francis himself, who was not a top candidate on most prediction lists in 2013.
What Happens When the Pope Dies?
The death of a pope triggers a solemn and structured ritual known as the Sede Vacante (“the seat being vacant”). The camerlengo, a senior Vatican official, confirms the pope’s death and then oversees the day-to-day operations of the Church until a new pope is elected.
The pope’s ring—the “Ring of the Fisherman”—is ceremonially destroyed to prevent misuse. After a period of mourning, usually nine days of masses and memorials, the conclave is convened to elect the next pontiff. Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney signals an inconclusive vote; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.
Where Was Pope Francis From?
Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. A son of Italian immigrants, he grew up in a working-class neighborhood and trained as a chemist before joining the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). His roots in Latin America deeply influenced his worldview and pastoral approach, emphasizing social justice, simplicity, and solidarity with the poor.
Where Will Pope Francis Be Buried?
Though Pope Francis has not publicly detailed his burial wishes in full, he has often spoken about his desire for simplicity, even in death. Unlike some of his predecessors who chose elaborate tombs, it’s expected that Francis will opt for a humble burial—perhaps in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where many popes rest, or possibly even in his native Argentina, if he requests it.
His emphasis on humility suggests that, wherever he is laid to rest, the location will reflect his life’s message: “Who am I to judge?”—a voice of compassion in a complex world.
Pope Francis reshaped the papacy not just with doctrine, but with demeanor. Whether in his embrace of the marginalized, his open arms to other faiths, or his commitment to simplicity, he leaves a legacy that transcends titles. The question of who follows him is not just about continuity, but about the soul of a church at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.