History of Pope Francis in Timeline
Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013, until his death in 2025. He held the distinction of being the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first pope born or raised outside of Europe since the 8th century. His papacy marked a significant shift in the Church's leadership and geographical origins.
1925: Publication of Der Gegensatz
In 1925, Romano Guardini published "Der Gegensatz" which was later explored by Bergoglio.
1929: Bergoglio Family Emigration
In 1929, Mario Bergoglio's family left Italy to escape the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini.
December 1936: Jorge Mario Bergoglio's Birth
In December 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, was born. He would become the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State in 2013.
December 1936: Birth of Jorge Mario Bergoglio
On 17 December 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who would later become Pope Francis, was born in Flores, a neighborhood of Buenos Aires. He was the eldest of five children.
March 1958: Entered the Society of Jesus
On 11 March 1958, Jorge Mario Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus as a novice after being inspired by a priest.
1958: Inspired to Join the Jesuits
In 1958, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was inspired to join the Jesuits after recovering from a severe illness.
March 1960: Became an Official Jesuit
On 12 March 1960, Jorge Mario Bergoglio officially became a Jesuit when he made his religious profession with the initial, perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
1964: Taught at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción
From 1964 to 1965, Jorge Mario Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe.
1965: Taught at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción
From 1964 to 1965, Jorge Mario Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe.
1966: Taught at Colegio del Salvador
In 1966, Jorge Mario Bergoglio taught literature and psychology at the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires.
1967: Began Theological Studies
In 1967, Jorge Mario Bergoglio began his theological studies at Facultades de Filosofía y Teología de San Miguel.
December 1969: Ordained as Priest
On 13 December 1969, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained as a priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano.
1969: Ordination as a Catholic Priest
In 1969, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained as a Catholic priest.
1972: Suspension of Jeronimo Podesta
In 1972, Jeronimo Podesta was suspended as a priest.
April 1973: Took Final Vows as a Jesuit
On 22 April 1973, Jorge Mario Bergoglio took his final vows as a Jesuit, including the fourth vow of obedience to missioning by the pope, at Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
1973: Jesuit Provincial Superior
From 1973, Jorge Mario Bergoglio served as the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina.
1973: Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
In 1973, Jorge Mario Bergoglio made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but his stay was shortened by the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War.
1976: Allegations Regarding Kidnapping of Jesuit Priests
In 1976, during Argentina's Dirty War, Bergoglio faced allegations regarding the Argentine Navy's kidnapping of two Jesuit priests, Orlando Yorio and Franz Jalics. Bergoglio was reported to have failed to protect them. They were found alive months later outside Buenos Aires, drugged and partially unclothed.
1976: Context of the Detention of Yorio and Jalics
In early 1976, according to historian Uki Goñi, the military junta still had a good image among society, and the scale of the political repression was not yet widely known. Bergoglio would have had little reason to suspect that the detention of Yorio and Jalics could end in their deaths.
1979: End of Term as Provincial Superior
In 1979, Jorge Mario Bergoglio's six-year term as provincial superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina ended.
1980: Nobel Peace Prize laureate
In 1980, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, the Argentinian artist and human rights activist who was the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said: "Perhaps he didn't have the courage of other priests, but he never collaborated with the dictatorship... Bergoglio was no accomplice of the dictatorship."
1980: Rector of Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel
In 1980, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was named the rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel. He also spent the first three months of 1980 in Ireland to learn English.
1984: Testimony on San Patricio Church massacre
In 1984, testimony emerged indicating that the murders of six members of the Pallottine community in the San Patricio Church massacre were perpetrated by members of the Argentine Navy on the orders of Rear Admiral Rubén Chamorro. Cardinal Bergoglio authorized the request for beatification for the victims in 2005 and ordered an investigation.
1986: Replacement as Rector
In 1986, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was replaced as rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel by someone more in tune with the Society of Jesus's emphasis on social justice.
June 1992: Consecration as Auxiliary Bishop
On 27 June 1992, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was consecrated as titular bishop of Auca, becoming the Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. He chose 'Miserando atque eligendo' as his episcopal motto.
June 1997: Appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop
On 3 June 1997, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires.
February 1998: Became Metropolitan Archbishop
On 28 February 1998, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the metropolitan archbishop of Buenos Aires following Quarracino's death.
November 1998: Named Ordinary for Eastern Catholics
On 6 November 1998, while remaining archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was named Ordinary for Eastern Catholics in Argentina.
1998: Archbishop of Buenos Aires
In 1998, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the archbishop of Buenos Aires.
1999: Government Transition and Church Criticism
In 1999, Fernando de la Rúa replaced Carlos Menem as president of Argentina. As an archbishop, Bergoglio celebrated the annual Mass on the First National Government holiday. During Argentina's economic depression, the Catholic Church, including Bergoglio, criticized the government's austerity measures. De la Rúa asked the church to facilitate dialogue, but a meeting with Bergoglio was reportedly canceled.
1999: Yorio's Accusation Against Bergoglio
In a 1999 interview, Orlando Yorio accused Bergoglio of effectively handing him and Franz Jalics over to death squads by declining to tell the authorities that he endorsed their work and stated that Bergoglio did nothing to free them.
2000: Reconciliation with Jerónimo Podestá
In 2000, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the only church official to reconcile with Jerónimo Podestá, a former bishop who had been suspended as a priest.
February 2001: Made a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II
On 21 February 2001, Pope John Paul II made Archbishop Bergoglio a cardinal, assigning him the title of cardinal priest of San Roberto Bellarmino.
December 2001: Intervention During Riots
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.
2001: Created a Cardinal
In 2001, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
2001: Meeting with Ramón Puerta
In 2001, following the Justicialist Party's victory in Congress, Bergoglio met with Ramón Puerta, the newly appointed Senate president. Puerta assured Bergoglio that the party was not planning to oust President De la Rúa and promised to support him in advancing necessary legislation.
2004: Call for Political Dialogue
In 2004, during the First National Government holiday Mass at the cathedral, Bergoglio, in the presence of President Néstor Kirchner, requested more political dialogue, the rejection of intolerance, and criticism of exhibitionism and strident announcements.
April 2005: Attended Funeral of Pope John Paul II
In April 2005, Jorge Mario Bergoglio attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II and was considered one of the papabile for succession to the papacy.
September 2005: Published Claims about Bergoglio in Conclave
In September 2005, claims were published that Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been the runner-up and main challenger to Cardinal Ratzinger at the 2005 papal conclave.
November 2005: Elected President of Argentine Episcopal Conference
On 8 November 2005, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference for a three-year term.
2005: Potential Pontifical Name
Bergoglio, if elected in 2005, would have chosen the pontifical name of "John XXIV" in honor of John XXIII. He expressed admiration for the Good Pope John XXIII to Cardinal Francesco Marchisano.
2005: Authorization for Beatification and Investigation of Murders
In 2005, Cardinal Bergoglio authorized the request for beatification for six members of the Pallottine community murdered in the San Patricio Church massacre. Bergoglio also ordered an investigation into the murders, which testimony from 1984 suggested were perpetrated by members of the Argentine Navy.
2005: Criminal Complaint Filed Against Bergoglio
In 2005, Myriam Bregman, a human rights lawyer, filed a criminal complaint against Bergoglio, as superior in the Society of Jesus of Argentina, accusing him of actual involvement in the 1976 kidnapping of Jesuit priests Orlando Yorio and Franz Jalics. The complaint was eventually dismissed.
2006: Support for Joaquín Piña's Election
In 2006, Bergoglio helped fellow Jesuit Joaquín Piña win the elections in the Misiones Province, preventing an amendment to the local constitution that would allow indefinite re-elections. This was a setback for President Kirchner's plans to implement similar amendments nationally.
2007: Established Weekly Mass
In 2007, shortly after Benedict XVI introduced new rules for pre–Vatican II liturgical forms, Jorge Mario Bergoglio established a weekly Mass in this extraordinary form of the Roman Rite.
November 2008: Re-elected President of Argentine Episcopal Conference
On 11 November 2008, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was re-elected president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference.
2008: Call for National Reconciliation
In 2008, Bergoglio called for national reconciliation during disturbances in Argentina's agricultural regions, which the government interpreted as a support for anti-government demonstrators, further straining his relationship with the government.
2010: Commissioned Study of Father Julio César Grassi
In 2010, then-Cardinal Bergoglio commissioned a study which concluded that Father Julio César Grassi, a priest convicted of child sexual abuse, was innocent, that his victims were lying, and that the case against him never should have gone to trial.
2010: Political Rivalry with Kirchner
Until his death in 2010, President Néstor Kirchner considered Bergoglio as a political rival due to Bergoglio's opposition to Kirchner's political projects and attempts to amend the constitution.
December 2011: Submitted Resignation as Archbishop
In December 2011, upon turning 75, Jorge Mario Bergoglio submitted his resignation as archbishop of Buenos Aires to Pope Benedict XVI as required by canon law.
2012: Defrocking of Mauro Inzoli
In 2012, Francis's predecessor Benedict defrocked Mauro Inzoli, an Italian priest accused of child sexual abuse.
2012: Vatican's Opinion on the sisters' group
In 2012, the Vatican formed the opinion that the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious had some feminist influences, focused too much on ending social and economic injustice and not enough on stopping abortion, and permitted speakers who questioned church doctrine.
February 2013: Vatican formally recognizes State of Palestine
In February 2013, the Vatican formally recognized the State of Palestine, paving the way for future treaties and agreements.
March 2013: New song dedicated to Francis and street renamed in his honor
In March 2013, a new song titled "Come Puoi (How You Can)" was dedicated to Pope Francis, and a street in La Plata, Argentina, was renamed Papa Francisco in his honor. The Argentine Chamber of Deputies also passed legislation to mint a commemorative coin as a tribute to Francis.
March 2013: Election as Pope Francis
On March 13, 2013, Bergoglio was elected pope on the fifth ballot, taking the papal name Francis. The announcement was delivered by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.
March 2013: First Audience and Choice of Papal Name
On March 16, 2013, at his first audience, Francis explained he chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi due to his concern for the poor, inspired 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, celebrating Mass in the presence of political and religious leaders and focusing his homily on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph.
March 2013: First Urbi et Orbi Easter Address
On March 31, 2013, Francis used his first Urbi et Orbi Easter address to make a plea for world peace and spoke out against greed. He also requested for humanity to become a better guardian of creation by protecting the environment.
April 2013: Formation of Council of Cardinal Advisers
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.
May 2013: First Canonizations of Pontificate
On 12 May 2013, Pope Francis presided over the first canonizations of his pontificate in which he canonized the Martyrs of Otranto—Antonio Primaldo and his 812 companions—as well as religious sisters Laura of St. Catherine of Siena and María Guadalupe García Zavala.
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' televised "Who am I to judge?" statement regarding LGBTQ individuals was widely reported and became one of his most famous statements.
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.
December 2013: Francis named "Person of the Year" by Time and The Advocate
In December 2013, Time and The Advocate magazines named Pope Francis as their "Person of the Year".
2013: Reaffirmation of Reform Program for US Leadership Conference of Women Religious
In 2013, Francis initially reaffirmed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's programme to reform the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious, which had been initiated under Pope Benedict XVI.
January 2014: Changes to Vatican Bank Oversight
In January 2014, Francis replaced four of the five cardinal overseers of the Vatican Bank, continuing efforts to reform the bank and address allegations of corruption and money laundering. Ernst von Freyberg was put in charge.
January 2014: Restriction on the Appointment of Monsignors
In January 2014, Pope Francis said that he would appoint fewer monsignors and only assign those honored to the lowest of the three surviving ranks of monsignor, chaplain of His Holiness; it would be awarded only to diocesan priests at least 65 years old.
January 2014: Francis featured on Rolling Stone cover
In January 2014, Rolling Stone magazine featured Pope Francis on their front cover.
February 2014: First Consistory
In February 2014, Pope Francis held his first consistory, a rare occasion in which he publicly appeared with his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
May 2014: Visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories
In May 2014, Pope Francis visited Israel and the Palestinian territories, offering symbolic gestures to both sides in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, becoming the first pope to visit the grave of Theodor Herzl, entered the West Bank from Jordan rather than Israel, and invited Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli president Shimon Peres to a prayer summit at the Vatican—both accepted.
September 2014: Francis presides over 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 diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba announced
On December 17, 2014, the restoration of full diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba was announced, with Pope Francis playing a key role in the talks. The Pope and the Government of Canada served as behind-the-scenes brokers of the agreement.
2014: Synod on the Family
In 2014, Francis oversaw a synod on the family, contributing to discussions and decisions regarding family-related issues within the Church.
2014: Reversal of Laicization for Mauro Inzoli
In 2014, Pope Francis reversed the decision to laicize Mauro Inzoli, ordering that he remain a priest but be removed from public ministry and ordered to retire to "a life of prayer and humble discretion."
2014: Francis receives San Lorenzo de Almagro after Copa Libertadores win
In 2014, after the Argentine football club San Lorenzo de Almagro won the Copa Libertadores, Pope Francis, a longtime supporter, received the team and was gifted a replica trophy and a glove of goalkeeper Sebastian Torrico.
2014: Vatican Criticizes News Agencies
In 2014, the Vatican criticized some Italian news agencies and Agence France-Presse for reporting that a comment Pope Francis made suggested an opening toward acceptance of same-sex marriage or civil unions, stating the remark was taken out of context.
April 2015: Closure of Investigation into US Leadership Conference of Women Religious
In April 2015, the Vatican's investigation into the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious was brought to a close. The sisters' emphasis on social justice aligned with Francis's priorities.
April 2015: Inauguration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy
In his April 2015 papal bull of indiction, Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy), Pope Francis inaugurated a Special Jubilee Year of Mercy.
May 2015: Release of Laudato si'
In May 2015, Pope Francis released his major encyclical on the environment, Laudato si' (Praise be to you).
May 2015: Raúl Castro considers returning to the Catholic Church
In May 2015, after a meeting between Pope Francis and Cuban leader Raúl Castro, Castro said he was considering returning to the Catholic Church, citing his appreciation for the Pope's speeches and commentaries.
May 2015: Vatican City announces intention to sign its first treaty with the State of Palestine
On 13 May 2015, Vatican City announced the intention to sign its first treaty with the State of Palestine after formally recognizing it as a state in February 2013.
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: Francis Addresses UN General Assembly and Visits 9/11 Memorial
In September 2015, Pope Francis visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where he addressed the UN General Assembly. Following his speech, he visited the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
September 2015: Anticipated Visit by Francis to the US
The closure of the Vatican's investigation into the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious in April 2015 may have anticipated a visit by Francis to the US in September 2015.
November 2015: Release of Music Album 'Wake Up!'
In November 2015, the music album "Wake Up!", consisting of speeches by Pope Francis accompanied by music, was released.
December 2015: Start of Jubilee Year of Mercy
On 8 December 2015, Pope Francis started the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which was to run to the last Sunday before Advent.
2015: Criticism for Supporting Bishop Juan Barros
In 2015, Pope Francis was criticized for supporting Chilean bishop Juan Barros who was accused of covering up Catholic Church sexual abuse cases in Chile, including crimes committed against minors.
2015: European migrant crisis
In 2015, the European migrant crisis was a major issue, leading to Pope Francis, along with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronimos II of Athens, visited the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos in order to call the attention of the world to the migrant crisis.
April 2016: Visit to Moria refugee camp on Lesbos
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 attention to the 2015 European migrant crisis and signed a joint declaration.
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 led to controversy.
November 2016: Establishment of 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: End of Jubilee Year of Mercy
On 20 November 2016, the Jubilee Year of Mercy concluded on the Solemnity of the Feast of Christ the King of the Universe.
2016: Creation of Study Commission on the Women's Diaconate
In 2016 Pope Francis created a Study Commission on the Women's Diaconate to research the role of female deacons in early Christianity.
2016: Conviction of Mauro Inzoli
In 2016, Mauro Inzoli was convicted of sexually abusing children in Italian civil court and sentenced to prison.
2016: Inclusion in Forbes list of most powerful people
In 2016, Pope Francis was included in Forbes lists of most powerful people in the world.
March 2017: Upholding of Conviction Against Julio César Grassi
In March 2017, the Supreme Court of Argentina upheld the conviction and prison sentence against Father Julio César Grassi, a priest convicted of child sexual abuse.
May 2017: Appointment of Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto
In May 2017, Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto was appointed leader of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, following the resignation of Matthew Festing.
July 2017: Filial Correction of Francis
In July 2017, a group of clergy, academics, and laymen signed a "Filial Correction" of Pope Francis, criticizing him for allegedly promoting heretical propositions.
September 2017: Admission of Mishandling the Inzoli Case
In unscripted remarks to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in September 2017, Pope Francis admitted that he mishandled the Mauro Inzoli case, acknowledging he made an error in judgment.
October 2017: Vatican stance on Catalan independence
In October 2017, after the Catalan independence referendum, Pope Francis communicated to the Spanish ambassador to the Holy See that the Vatican would not recognize secessionist or self-determination movements not resulting from decolonization.
January 2018: Francis supports Yazidi refugees
In January 2018, Pope Francis met with Yazidi refugees in Europe, expressing his support for their right to religious freedom and urging the international community to address the Yazidi genocide.
March 2018: Publication of Gaudete et exsultate
On 19 March 2018, Pope Francis published the apostolic exhortation Gaudete et exsultate (Rejoice and be glad), dealing with "the call to holiness" for all persons, countering contemporary versions of the gnostic and Pelagian heresies.
July 2018: McCarrick resigned from the College of Cardinals
In July 2018, Theodore McCarrick resigned from the College of Cardinals following renewed allegations of sexual misconduct.
October 2018: Review of Church's "institutional knowledge and decision-making" related to McCarrick
In October 2018, Pope Francis ordered a review of the Catholic Church's "institutional knowledge and decision-making" pertaining to Theodore McCarrick.
2018: Synod on Youth
In 2018, Francis oversaw a synod on youth, focusing on issues and challenges faced by young people in the Church and the world.
2018: Acknowledgement of Errors and Resignations of Chilean Bishops
In 2018, Pope Francis acknowledged he had made "grave errors" in judgment about Bishop Juan Barros, apologized to the victims and launched a Vatican investigation that resulted in the resignation of three Chilean bishops: Barros, Gonzalo Duarte, and Cristián Caro.
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".
2018: Deal with Vatican
In 2018, the Chinese government repeatedly violated the deal with the Vatican.
2018: Release of documentary film 'Pope Francis: A Man of His Word'
In 2018, the documentary film "Pope Francis: A Man of His Word", co-written and directed by Wim Wenders, was released.
February 2019: Acknowledgment of clergy abuse and convening summit
In February 2019, Pope Francis acknowledged that priests and bishops were sexually abusing religious sisters, and he addressed the clergy sex abuse scandal by convening a summit on clergy sexual abuse in February 2019.
February 2019: Summit on sexual abuse convened
In February 2019, Pope Francis convened a summit on sexual abuse organized by Hans Zollner; some survivors expressed disappointment with the lack of concrete rules.
February 2019: Francis Visits Abu Dhabi and Celebrates Mass on the Arabian Peninsula
In February 2019, Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the invitation of Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, becoming the first pope to celebrate Mass on the Arabian Peninsula, with over 120,000 attendees at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.
February 2019: Document on Human Fraternity signed
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, which focuses on peaceful coexistence between different faiths, inspiring the International Day of Human Fraternity. Criticisms arose regarding the passage about God's will and 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, including reporting directly to the Holy See.
December 2019: Abolishment of "pontifical secrecy" privilege in sexual abuse cases
In December 2019, Pope Francis abolished the "pontifical secrecy" privilege in sexual abuse cases, clarifying that bishops do not need authorization from the Vatican to turn over canonical trials materials to civil law enforcement authorities.
2019: Synod on the Church in the Amazon Region and Episcopalis communio
In 2019, Francis oversaw a synod on the church in the Amazon region and issued the apostolic constitution Episcopalis communio, allowing synod documents to become magisterial teaching with papal approval and enabling laity input.
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 situation of refugees and migrants.
2019: Commission Unable to Reach Consensus on Deaconesses
In 2019, Pope Francis said that the Study Commission on the Women's Diaconate was unable to come to a consensus.
2019: Portrayal in 'The Two Popes' film
In 2019, Pope Francis was portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in the biographical film "The Two Popes".
March 2020: Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Pope Francis canceled his regular general audiences at St. Peter's Square, offered prayers, and pleaded "not to leave the ... people alone" after the closure of churches in the Diocese of Rome.
March 2020: Establishment of Vatican COVID-19 Commission and Urbi et Orbi Benediction
In March 2020, Pope Francis asked the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (DPIHD) to create a Vatican COVID-19 Commission, and on 27 March gave an extraordinary benediction Urbi et Orbi.
April 2020: Creation of New Commission on Women's Diaconate
In April 2020, Pope Francis empaneled a new commission, led by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi with a new membership, to study the issue of deaconesses.
October 2020: Publication of Fratelli tutti
On 4 October 2020, Pope Francis published the encyclical Fratelli tutti on fraternity and social friendship.
October 2020: Premiere of the documentary 'Francesco'
On October 21, 2020, the documentary "Francesco", directed by film producer Evgeny Afineevsky, premiered.
November 2020: Release of Vatican report on McCarrick's career
In November 2020, Pope Francis authorized the release of the Vatican's report, which detailed a two-year investigation into Theodore McCarrick's career, largely faulting Pope John Paul II.
November 2020: Francis writes op-ed for 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 issues such as COVID-19 restrictions and the need for global solidarity.
2020: Rupnik Preaches Lenten Meditation
In 2020, Marko Rupnik preached a Lenten meditation for priests working in the Roman Curia, including Pope Francis, before accusations of abuse became widely known.
2020: Reiteration of Opposition to Death Penalty
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: Instituting Women to Ministries and Appointing Women to Vatican Positions
In January 2021, Pope Francis issued Spiritus Domini, allowing bishops to institute women to the ministries of acolyte and lector, and appointed women to several positions previously held only by men.
March 2021: Francis meets Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Iraq
In March 2021, Pope Francis held a historic meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and visited Ur, traditionally identified as the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. They both urged 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, reforming Vatican penal law by strengthening the penalties for sexual abuse and financial crimes.
July 2021: Traditionis custodes issued
In July 2021, Pope Francis issued Traditionis custodes, reversing Benedict XVI's decision on the Traditional Latin Mass and imposing new restrictions, drawing criticism from prelates and lay faithful.
November 2021: Gratitude to Journalists for Uncovering Child Sexual Abuse
In November 2021, Pope Francis thanked journalists for their work in uncovering child sexual abuse scandals in the church and giving voice to abuse victims.
2021: Health problems prompt resignation rumors, which Francis dismisses.
In 2021, Pope Francis's health problems led to rumors about his potential resignation, which he dismissed.
January 2022: Private Meeting with Marko Rupnik
In January 2022, Pope Francis met privately with Marko Rupnik, who was later accused of psychological, spiritual, and sexual abuse.
January 2022: Statement on the Death Penalty 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."
June 2022: Spiritual testament dated
Pope Francis's spiritual testament, dated June 29, 2022, expressed his wish to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
July 2022: Apostolic Journey to Canada and Apology for Indigenous Abuses
In July 2022, Pope Francis made an apostolic journey to Canada, where he expressed sorrow, indignation, and shame over the church's abuse of Canadian Indigenous children in residential schools and apologized for the church's role.
September 2022: Francis calls for negotiated settlement in Ukraine war
In September 2022, Pope Francis stated that Ukraine had the right to defend itself in the war with Russia, but he also urged for a negotiated settlement, advocating for dialogue with all parties involved, even the aggressor. He suggested that arms transfers to Ukraine could be morally acceptable under certain conditions.
October 2022: Francis appeals to Putin and Zelenskyy regarding the war in Ukraine
In October 2022, Pope Francis directly appealed to Russian President Putin to halt the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine. He also asked Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to consider "serious peace proposals", while acknowledging the suffering of the Ukrainian people and recognizing Ukraine had suffered an aggression.
October 2022: Premiere of "The Letter: A Message for our Earth" on YouTube Originals
On October 4, 2022, the documentary "The Letter: A Message for our Earth", directed by Nicolas Brown and produced by Off The Fence in partnership with Laudato Si' Movement, premiered on YouTube Originals.
November 2022: Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard Admits to Sexual Abuse
In November 2022, French Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard admitted to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, prompting an investigation. Pope Francis condemned sexual abuse but did not deprive Ricard of his status.
November 2022: Vatican accuses China of violating agreement
In November 2022, the Vatican publicly accused China of violating their agreement by installing John Peng Weizhao as an auxiliary bishop without Vatican approval.
2022: Apology for Church's Role in Cultural Genocide
In 2022, Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Church's role in the cultural genocide of Canadian Indigenous peoples in residential schools.
January 2023: Denouncement of Criminalization of Homosexuality
In a January 2023 interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis denounced the criminalization of homosexuality (which he called "unjust") and called on the Catholic Church to distinguish between a sin and a crime.
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, marking the first time women are allowed to vote at any Catholic Synod of Bishops.
April 2023: Francis announces secret "mission" for peace
In April 2023, during a trip to Budapest, Pope Francis announced he was working on a secret "mission" aimed at bringing peace and facilitating the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. However, these efforts to position the Vatican as a mediator ultimately failed.
April 2023: China installs bishop of Shanghai without Vatican approval
In April 2023, the Chinese government installed Joseph Shen Bin as bishop of Shanghai without Vatican approval, further straining relations between the Vatican and China.
June 2023: Francis Addresses UN Security Council via Vatican Official
In June 2023, Pope Francis issued an address to the UN Security Council through Vatican official Paul Gallagher, as he was recovering from abdominal surgery.
October 2023: Issuance of Laudate Deum
In October 2023, Pope Francis issued the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (Praise God), calling for decisive action against the climate crisis.
October 2023: Convening of the 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.
December 2023: Fiducia supplicans issued
In December 2023, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, with Pope Francis's approval, issued Fiducia supplicans, allowing Catholic priests to perform "spontaneous blessings" of same-sex couples and other couples in "irregular relationships".
2023: Robert Francis Prevost made cardinal by Francis.
In 2023, Robert Francis Prevost was made a cardinal by Francis.
2023: Apparent Rejection of Women Deacons
In late 2023, Pope Francis appeared to reject the idea of women deacons, saying that "holy orders is reserved for men."
2023: Milei's Criticism of Francis
Prior to his election in 2023, Javier Milei was critical of Francis, describing him with disparaging terms, sparking controversy among Catholics.
January 2024: African episcopal conferences reject blessings for same-sex couples
On January 11, 2024, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu announced that all episcopal conferences in Africa, represented in SECAM, would reject blessings for same-sex couples, stating that the extra-liturgical blessings proposed in the declaration...cannot be carried out in Africa without exposing themselves to scandals". This decision followed Fiducia supplicans sparking considerable controversy among Catholics.
February 2024: Milei's Visit to the Vatican
On February 11, 2024, Javier Milei, following his election as Argentine president, visited the Vatican on the day Francis canonized María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, the first female Argentine saint.
May 2024: Climate Summit and Planetary Protocol
In May 2024, Pope Francis organized a climate summit that issued a Planetary Protocol for Climate Change Resilience, including greenhouse gas emissions reduction, climate change adaptation, and societal transformation.
September 2024: Calls for Universal Basic Income and Higher Taxes on Billionaires
In September 2024, Pope Francis renewed calls for a universal basic income and higher taxes on billionaires.
September 2024: Francis Visits Indonesia and Attends Inter-religious Dialogue
In September 2024, Pope Francis visited Indonesia and attended an inter-religious dialogue in Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. He and the Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar signed the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024, promoting common values to defeat violence and indifference and promote peace. Representatives from various religions attended.
2024: Cardinal Composition after 2024 Consistory
After the 2024 consistory, there were 110 cardinals appointed by Pope Francis under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote at a papal conclave.
2024: Meeting with representatives of the Dialop group
In 2024, Pope Francis met with representatives of the Dialop group, a discussion group between Christians and Marxists, and encouraged them to cooperate.
2024: Vatican and China renew agreement
In 2024, the Vatican and the Chinese government renewed their agreement, continuing their ongoing dialogue and relationship.
2024: Apparent Rejection of Women Deacons
In late 2024, Pope Francis appeared to reject the idea of women deacons, saying that "holy orders is reserved for men."
January 2025: Establishment of Independent Tribunal
In January 2025, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández confirmed that the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) was working to establish an independent tribunal to move forward with judicial proceedings regarding the Marko Rupnik case.
February 2025: Francis enters Gemelli Hospital due to Bronchitis
In February 2025, Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to bronchitis. He stayed for over a month due to a polymicrobial infection, bilateral pneumonia, and required mechanical ventilation. He was discharged on March 23 after blessing a crowd.
February 2025: Response to US bishops
In February 2025, following mass deportations and cuts to international aid by the new US administration, Pope Francis wrote "an extraordinary and excoriating response to US bishops".
April 2025: Papal Interregnum begins
Following Pope Francis' death in April 2025, a papal interregnum began, marked by a nine-day mourning period. His funeral took place on April 26, 2025.
April 2025: Francis's Final Easter Address and Death
In April 2025, Pope Francis made his last public appearance at St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, delivering his final Easter address and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. He passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, due to a cerebral stroke leading to cardiac arrest.
May 2025: Start of the conclave to elect Francis's successor.
In May 2025, the cardinal electors arrived in Rome to attend the congregation of cardinals and decided that May 7, 2025 would be the start of the conclave set to elect Francis's successor. On May 8, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV.
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