Career Timeline of Pope Francis: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Pope Francis made an impact.

Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. He marks several historical firsts: the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas and Southern Hemisphere, and the first born and raised outside Europe since the 8th century. His papacy is noted for its emphasis on mercy, social justice, and environmental stewardship, as well as efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and address issues such as clerical sexual abuse.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

March 1958: Entered the Society of Jesus

On March 11, 1958, Jorge Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus as a novice, after studying at Inmaculada Concepción Seminary in Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires.

1958: Inspired to join the Jesuits

In 1958, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was inspired to join the Society of Jesus after recovering from a severe illness, marking the beginning of his journey within the Jesuit order.

March 1960: Became an Official Jesuit

On March 12, 1960, Bergoglio officially became a Jesuit, making his religious profession with the initial, perpetual vows.

1964: Taught at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción

From 1964 to 1965, Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe, contributing to his early career as an educator.

1965: Taught at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción

In 1965, Bergoglio continued to teach literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción, Santa Fe.

1966: Taught at the Colegio del Salvador

In 1966, Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires, expanding his teaching career.

December 1969: Ordained by Archbishop Ramon Jose Castellano

On December 13, 1969, Bergoglio was ordained by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano, marking a significant step in his religious career.

1969: Ordained a Catholic priest

In 1969, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained as a Catholic priest, solidifying his commitment to the Church.

April 1973: Took final vows as a Jesuit

On April 22, 1973, Bergoglio took his final vows as a Jesuit, including obedience to missioning by the Pope.

1973: Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina

In 1973, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina, a role he held until 1979.

1979: End of term as provincial superior

In 1979, Bergoglio's six-year term as provincial superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina concluded.

1980: Appointed rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel

In 1980, Bergoglio was named the rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel after spending three months in Ireland to learn English.

1986: Replaced as Rector

In 1986, Bergoglio was replaced as rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, due to disagreements with the Society of Jesus.

June 1992: Named Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires

In June 1992, Bergoglio was named Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires and consecrated on June 27, 1992, as titular bishop of Auca.

June 1997: Appointed coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires

In June 1997, Bergoglio was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires.

February 1998: Became Metropolitan Archbishop

In February 1998, Bergoglio became the metropolitan archbishop of Buenos Aires following Quarracino's death.

November 1998: Named Ordinary for Eastern Catholics in Argentina

In November 1998, while remaining archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio was named Ordinary for Eastern Catholics in Argentina, who lacked a prelate of their own church.

1998: Appointed archbishop of Buenos Aires

In 1998, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the archbishop of Buenos Aires, a significant promotion in his ecclesiastical career.

February 2001: Made a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II

In February 2001, Archbishop Bergoglio was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, receiving the title of cardinal priest of San Roberto Bellarmino, marking a significant elevation in his ecclesiastical status.

December 2001: Intervention During Police Repression

During the police repression of the riots in December 2001, Bergoglio contacted the Ministry of the Interior and requested that the police distinguish between rioters and vandals from peaceful protesters.

December 2001: Led the Argentine Church during riots

In December 2001, Jorge Mario Bergoglio led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, facing political rivalry from the Kirchner administrations.

2001: Continued as archbishop of Buenos Aires

In 2001, Bergoglio continued to serve as the archbishop of Buenos Aires after being elevated to the cardinalate.

2004: Mass at Cathedral and Political Dialogue Request

In 2004, Bergoglio celebrated Mass at the cathedral, where President Néstor Kirchner attended. Bergoglio requested more political dialogue, rejection of intolerance, and criticism of exhibitionism and strident announcements.

April 2005: Attended John Paul II's Funeral

In April 2005, Bergoglio attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II and was considered a possible successor to the papacy. He then participated in the 2005 papal conclave that ultimately elected Pope Benedict XVI.

September 2005: Reported as Runner-Up in 2005 Conclave

In September 2005, the Italian magazine Limes published claims that Bergoglio was the runner-up and main challenger to Cardinal Ratzinger at the 2005 papal conclave. The claims suggested he received 40 votes in the third ballot but fell back to 26 in the fourth and decisive ballot, based on a diary from an anonymous cardinal.

November 2005: Elected president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference

In November 2005, Bergoglio was elected president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference for a three-year term, marking a significant leadership role within the Church in Argentina.

2005: Potential Pontifical Name

Had Bergoglio been elected in 2005, he would have chosen the pontifical name "John XXIV" in honour of John XXIII, inspired by the "Good Pope".

2005: Authorized Beatification Request for Pallottine Community Members

In 2005, Cardinal Bergoglio authorized the request for beatification for six members of the Pallottine community murdered in the San Patricio Church massacre and ordered an investigation into the murders.

2006: Helped Joaquín Piña Win Elections

In 2006, Bergoglio helped fellow Jesuit Joaquín Piña win elections in the Misiones Province to prevent an amendment of the local constitution allowing indefinite re-elections, which Kirchner intended to replicate nationally.

2007: Established weekly Mass

In 2007, Bergoglio established a weekly Mass in the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite, following new rules for pre-Vatican II liturgical forms.

November 2008: Re-elected president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference

In November 2008, Bergoglio was re-elected as president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, continuing his leadership role.

December 2011: Submitted resignation as archbishop

In December 2011, Bergoglio submitted his resignation as archbishop of Buenos Aires to Pope Benedict XVI upon turning 75, as required by canon law, but remained in office pending the appointment of a replacement.

March 2013: Elected Pope Francis

On March 13, 2013, Bergoglio was elected pope on the fifth ballot of the 2013 papal conclave and took the name Francis. The announcement was made by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.

March 2013: First Audience and Choice of Name

On March 16, 2013, at his first audience, Francis explained that he chose the name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi due to his concern for the poor, influenced by Cardinal Cláudio Hummes's words during the conclave.

March 2013: Papal Inauguration

On March 19, 2013, Francis held his papal inauguration in St. Peter's Square. He celebrated Mass in the presence of political and religious leaders from around the world, focusing on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph in his homily.

March 2013: First Easter Homily

On March 31, 2013, Francis delivered his first Easter homily, making a plea for world peace, speaking out against greed, and urging humanity to better protect the environment.

April 2013: Council of Cardinal Advisers Appointed

On April 13, 2013, Francis named eight cardinals to a new Council of Cardinal Advisers to advise him on revising the organizational structure of the Roman Curia. The group included several known critics of Vatican operations.

May 2013: First Canonizations of Francis's Pontificate

On 12 May 2013, Pope Francis presided over his first canonizations, including the Martyrs of Otranto and religious sisters Laura of St. Catherine of Siena and María Guadalupe García Zavala. This surpassed Pope John Paul II's record for the most saints canonized in a pontificate.

June 2013: Publication of Lumen fidei

On 29 June 2013, Pope Francis published the encyclical Lumen fidei, which was largely the work of Benedict XVI but awaited a final draft at his retirement.

July 2013: "Who am I to judge?" statement

In July 2013, Pope Francis's televised "Who am I to judge?" statement was widely reported in the international press, becoming one of his most famous statements on LGBT people.

November 2013: Publication of Evangelii gaudium

On 24 November 2013, Pope Francis published his first major letter as pope, the apostolic exhortation Evangelii gaudium, which he described as the programmatic of his papacy.

January 2014: Limiting the Title of Monsignor

In January 2014, Pope Francis announced he would appoint fewer monsignors and only assign those honored to the lowest rank, chaplain of His Holiness, awarded only to diocesan priests at least 65 years old, associating the title with clerical careerism.

January 2014: Vatican Bank Reform and Oversight Changes

In January 2014, Pope Francis replaced four of the five cardinal overseers of the Vatican Bank, who had been confirmed in their positions during Benedict XVI's papacy. Lay experts and clerics were assigned to examine the bank's operations, and Ernst von Freyberg was placed in charge. Moneyval indicated the need for further reforms, and Francis expressed willingness to close the bank if reforms proved too challenging.

February 2014: First Consistory with Benedict XVI

In February 2014, Pope Francis held his first consistory, marking a rare public appearance with his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

May 2014: Visit to Israel and Palestinian Territories

In May 2014, Pope Francis visited Israel and the Palestinian territories, offering symbolic gestures to both sides in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He became the first pope to visit the grave of Theodor Herzl.

September 2014: First Joint Public Wedding Ceremony

On 14 September 2014, Pope Francis presided over his first joint public wedding ceremony in a Nuptial Mass for 20 couples from the Archdiocese of Rome.

December 2014: Restoration of U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations

On December 17, 2014, U.S. president Barack Obama and Cuban president Raúl Castro jointly announced the restoration of full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Pope Francis played a key role in the talks toward this restoration.

2014: Synod on the Family

In 2014, Francis oversaw a synod on the family.

April 2015: Investigation Brought to a Close

In April 2015, the Vatican's investigation of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious was brought to a close.

April 2015: Inauguration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy

In his April 2015 papal bull of indiction, Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis inaugurated a Special Jubilee Year of Mercy to run from 8 December 2015 to 20 November 2016.

May 2015: Release of encyclical Laudato si'

In May 2015, Pope Francis released his major encyclical on the environment, Laudato si' (Praise be to you).

June 2015: Publication of Laudato si'

On 18 June 2015, Pope Francis published his first own encyclical Laudato si' concerning care for the planet.

September 2015: Visit to the United Nations

In September 2015, Pope Francis visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where he addressed the UN General Assembly and visited the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.

September 2015: Anticipated Visit to the U.S.

The timing of the closure of the investigation into the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in April 2015, may have anticipated a visit by Francis to the U.S. in September 2015. It was noted that the sisters' emphasis is close to that of Francis.

December 2015: Commencement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy

On 8 December 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Special Jubilee Year of Mercy, inaugurated by Pope Francis, commenced.

2015: Attention to the 2015 European migrant crisis

In 2015, Pope Francis called the attention of the world to the 2015 European migrant crisis.

2015: Declaration of Saint Gregory of Narek as Doctor of the Church

In 2015, Pope Francis declared Saint Gregory of Narek as a Doctor of the Church.

April 2016: Visit to Moria Refugee Camp

In April 2016, Pope Francis, along with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronimos II of Athens, visited the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos to call the attention of the world to the 2015 European migrant crisis. The three Christian leaders signed a joint declaration there.

April 2016: Publication of Amoris laetitia

On 8 April 2016, Pope Francis published his second apostolic exhortation, Amoris laetitia, remarking on love within the family, which later gave rise to controversy.

November 2016: Establishment of the World Day of the Poor

On 20 November 2016, Pope Francis established the World Day of the Poor in his Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et Misera, to celebrate the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

November 2016: Conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy

On 20 November 2016, the last Sunday before Advent and the Solemnity of the Feast of Christ the King of the Universe, the Special Jubilee Year of Mercy, inaugurated by Pope Francis, concluded.

2016: Creation of Instagram Account

In 2016, Pope Francis became the first pope to create an Instagram account, gaining over one million followers in under 12 hours.

May 2017: Appointment of Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre

In May 2017, Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto was appointed leader of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

2017: Highlighted impacts of climate change at World Food Day ceremony

At the 2017 World Food Day ceremony, Pope Francis highlighted the daily impacts of climate change and the solutions provided by scientific knowledge.

January 2018: Meeting with Yazidi Refugees

In January 2018, Pope Francis met Yazidi refugees in Europe, expressed his support for their right to religious freedom, and called upon the international community not to remain silent regarding the Yazidi genocide.

March 2018: Publication of Gaudete et exsultate

In March 2018, Pope Francis published the apostolic exhortation Gaudete et exsultate, which focuses on the call to holiness for all people, addresses contemporary versions of heresies, and describes how Jesus' beatitudes call people to 'go against the flow'.

2018: Synod on Youth

In 2018, Francis oversaw a synod on youth.

2018: Provisional Vatican-China agreement

In 2018, Pope Francis approved a provisional Vatican-China agreement intended to normalize the situation of China's Catholics.

2018: Revision of Catechism on Death Penalty

In 2018, Pope Francis revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church to state that the death penalty is 'inadmissible' and that the Church 'works with determination for its abolition worldwide'.

February 2019: Visit to Abu Dhabi

In February 2019, Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, becoming the first pope to celebrate Mass on the Arabian Peninsula, with over 120,000 attendees.

February 2019: Signing of the Document on Human Fraternity

On February 4, 2019, Pope Francis and Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, signed the "Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together". This statement addressed how different faiths can live peaceably in the same areas. Criticisms focused on the passage about God's will regarding the diversity of religions.

May 2019: Promulgation of Vos estis lux mundi

On 9 May 2019, as a follow-up to the summit on clergy sexual abuse, Pope Francis promulgated the motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi, which specified responsibilities for reporting abuse directly to the Holy See, while involving another bishop in the archdiocese of the accused bishop.

2019: Synod on the Church in the Amazon Region

In 2019, Francis oversaw a synod on the church in the Amazon region.

2019: Apostolic Constitution Episcopalis communio

In 2019, Francis's apostolic constitution Episcopalis communio allowed that the final document of a synod may become magisterial teaching simply with papal approval. The constitution also allowed for laity to contribute input directly to the synod's secretary general.

2019: Statue in St. Peter's Square

In 2019, Pope Francis placed a statue in St. Peter's Square to bring attention to the Christian imperative involved in the plight of refugees and migrants.

2019: Stated ecocide was a sin

In 2019, Pope Francis stated that ecocide was a sin and should be made "a fifth category of crimes against peace".

October 2020: Publication of Fratelli tutti

On 4 October 2020, Pope Francis published the encyclical Fratelli tutti on fraternity and social friendship.

November 2020: Op-ed in The New York Times

On 26 November 2020, Pope Francis became the first pope to write an op-ed for The New York Times, addressing COVID-19 restrictions and the need for global solidarity.

December 2020: Publication of Patris corde and Proclamation of Year of Saint Joseph

On 8 December 2020, Pope Francis published the apostolic letter Patris corde on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. To mark the occasion, the Pope proclaimed a 'Year of Saint Joseph' from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021 on the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church.

2020: Reiteration of Death Penalty Inadmissibility

In his 2020 encyclical Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis repeated that the death penalty was 'inadmissible' and that 'there can be no stepping back from this position'.

January 2021: Issuance of Spiritus Domini and Appointment of Women

In January 2021, Pope Francis issued Spiritus Domini, allowing bishops to institute women to the ministries of acolyte and lector. He also appointed women to positions previously held only by men, including Nathalie Becquart as co-undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops.

March 2021: Meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani

In March 2021, Pope Francis held a historic meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and visited Ur, urging Muslim and Christian communities to work together for peaceful coexistence.

June 2021: Publication of Pascite gregem Dei

On 1 June 2021, Pope Francis published the apostolic constitution Pascite gregem Dei. The document reformed Vatican penal law by strengthening the penalties for sexual abuse and financial crimes; it also more harshly punished the ordination of women.

January 2022: Condemnation of the Death Penalty in Speech to Vatican Ambassadors

On 9 January 2022, Pope Francis stated in his annual speech to Vatican ambassadors that 'the death penalty cannot be employed for a purported state justice' and that it 'fuels the thirst for vengeance'.

February 2022: Response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis visited the Russian embassy in Rome, an unprecedented action. He called Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to express "sorrow" and assured Sviatoslav Shevchuk that he would do everything to help end the conflict. The day after the invasion, the Pope called for peace.

March 2022: Consecration of Russia and Ukraine

In March 2022, Pope Francis consecrated both Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as part of Vatican's efforts to broker a peace deal.

September 2022: Interfaith event in Khazakhstan

In September 2022, at an interfaith event in Khazakhstan, Pope Francis urged Patriarch Kirill not to become an "altar boy" of Putin, addressing the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.

September 2022: Statements on Ukraine War and Arms Transfers

In September 2022, seven months into the war, Pope Francis stated that it was "licit" for Ukraine to defend itself but called for a negotiated settlement. He suggested arms transfers to Ukraine could be morally acceptable under certain conditions and recounted reports of atrocities inflicted upon Ukraine.

October 2022: Appeal to Putin and Zelenskyy

In October 2022, Pope Francis directly appealed to Putin to halt the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine. He also asked Ukrainian president Zelenskyy to be open to "serious peace proposals", recognizing Ukraine's suffering.

2022: Declaration of Saint Irenaeus of Lyon as Doctor of the Church

In 2022, Pope Francis declared Saint Irenaeus of Lyon as a Doctor of the Church.

January 2023: Denounced the criminalization of homosexuality

In a January 2023 interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis denounced the criminalization of homosexuality (which he called "unjust").

April 2023: Women Allowed to Vote at Synod of Bishops

In April 2023, Pope Francis announced that 35 women would be allowed to vote at the Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (just over 10% of all voters), marking the first time women are allowed to vote at any Catholic Synod of Bishops.

April 2023: Secret Peace "Mission"

In April 2023, during a trip to Budapest, Pope Francis said that he was working on a secret "mission" to bring peace and return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

June 2023: Address to the UN Security Council

In June 2023, while recovering from abdominal surgery, Pope Francis issued an address to the UN Security Council, read by Vatican official Paul Gallagher on the Pope's behalf.

October 2023: Issued the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum

In October 2023, Pope Francis issued the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (Praise god), in which he called for decisive action against the climate crisis and condemned climate change denial.

October 2023: Convened Synod on Synodality

On October 4, 2023, Francis convened the beginnings of the Synod on Synodality, described by some as the culmination of his papacy and one of the most important events in the Church since the Second Vatican Council.

September 2024: Renewed calls for a universal basic income

In September 2024, Pope Francis renewed calls for a universal basic income, as well as higher taxes on billionaires.

September 2024: Visit to Indonesia and Interfaith Dialogue

In September 2024, Pope Francis visited Indonesia and attended inter-religious dialogue in Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. He and the Grand Imam signed the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024 to promote reconciliation and peace.

2024: Cardinal Composition After 2024 Consistory

After the 2024 consistory, there were 110 cardinals appointed by Pope Francis under the age of 80, making them eligible to vote at a papal conclave.

2024: Organized a climate summit

In 2024, Pope Francis organized a climate summit that issued a Planetary Protocol for Climate Change Resilience.

2024: Stated that Marxists and Christians have a common mission

In 2024, while meeting with representatives of the Dialop group, a discussion group between Christians and Marxists, Pope Francis stated that Marxists and Christians have a common mission.