On March 13, 2023, the Church marks the 10th anniversary of the pontificate of Pope Francis. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires was elected March 13, 2013 in the conclave to become the first pope from the Americas. As the 265th successor to Saint Peter, he was the first pope to take the name of Francis, a name chosen in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi because he wanted “a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). Francis, age 86, was preceded by Pope Benedict XVI who resigned as pope in February 2013, the first to do so in six centuries. Read Pope Francis’ full biography on the on the Vatican website. (Source: USCCB)
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s statement to mark the pope’s anniversary:
Learn more:
FAITH Catholic Special Report: Celebrating 10 years of Pope Francis
Apostolic Exhortations | Encyclicals | Letters | Biography (Bilingual)
From the USCCB:
Pope Francis: 265th Successor to St. Peter
Revisit Pope Francis’ 2015 Papal Visit to the United States
Please continue praying for our Holy Father and his monthly intentions:
Prayer for Pope Francis | Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
Say a Hail Mary for Pope Francis (multiple languages)
Pledge to pray a Hail Mary for our Holy Father on his tenth anniversary and light a virtual candle that will be represented on a worldwide map and presented to him.
