It's been seven years with Pope Francis as the 266th successor of St. Peter. He was elected March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict announced his resignation on Feb. 28.
Habemus papa!
He brought a new vibe to the pontificate, being the first pope from Latin America and a Jesuit.
These seven years have been marked by a reform in the Curia, combating clerical sex abuse, and improving interreligious dialogue and relations with China.
Pope Francis has held three synods, with the most recent being on the Amazon in October 2019.
He has written major texts on the family, environment, the Gospel and transmission of faith.
The pope has completed 32 apostolic trips during his pontificate, and is hoping to visit Iraq and South Sudan. For 2020, he has a confirmed trip to Malta in May.
Melissa Butz
