When did Pope Francis become pope? Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. His election followed the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and concluded in just two days after five rounds of voting inside the Sistine Chapel.
Understanding how that rapid transition unfolded requires looking closely at the events leading up to the white smoke. From the sudden vacancy left by Benedict XVI to the decisive ballots cast by the College of Cardinals, the timeline of March 2013 marked a major turning point for the Vatican.
The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
The path to a new pontificate opened unexpectedly on February 11, 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI announced his decision to step down. Citing advanced age and a decline in physical strength, Benedict became the first pope to voluntarily resign since Celestine V in 1294.
- February 28, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI officially vacated the papacy at 8:00 p.m. local time, transitioning the Vatican into a period known as sede vacante (empty seat).
- March 1, 2013: Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the camerlengo, sealed the papal apartments, and the College of Cardinals began gathering in Rome to set the timeline for the upcoming conclave.
- March 4–8, 2013: General congregations of cardinals met daily in Vatican City to discuss the state of the Church and profile the leadership qualities needed in the next pontiff.
The March 2013 Conclave Timeline
On March 12, 2013, 115 cardinal electors under the age of 80 entered the Sistine Chapel to begin the process of choosing a successor.
- Morning of March 12: Cardinals celebrated the Pro eligendo Pontifice Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, praying for guidance before entering seclusion.
- Afternoon of March 12: At 4:30 p.m., the cardinals processed into the Sistine Chapel, took their solemn oaths of secrecy, and heard the traditional Extra omnes ("everyone out") order.
- Evening of March 12: The first vote took place. Black smoke poured from the copper chimney at approximately 7:42 p.m., indicating no candidate had reached the required two-thirds majority.
The White Smoke of March 13
Voting resumed the following morning inside the chapel. Momentum quickly shifted toward the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
- Morning of March 13: During the third and fourth ballots of the conclave, Cardinal Bergoglio secured the necessary two-thirds threshold.
- 7:06 p.m. (Rome Time): White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square that a new pope had been chosen.
- 8:12 p.m.: Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to deliver the historic Habemus Papam announcement, revealing that Bergoglio had chosen the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
- 8:22 p.m.: Pope Francis appeared on the balcony, delivered a brief, informal greeting ("Buonasera"), asked the crowd to pray for him before offering his blessing, and officially cemented his place in modern history.
For broader context on how the Vatican manages papal transitions and global announcements, you can explore updates from Vatican News.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pope Francis choose his name?
He chose Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, signaling a papacy focused on humility, peace, and care for the poor and the environment. He was the first pope to take this name.
Was Pope Francis the first non-European pope?
No. While he was the first pope from the Americas (born in Argentina), history records earlier non-European popes from regions like North Africa during the early centuries of Christianity. However, he was the first Jesuit pope.
How long did the 2013 conclave last?
It lasted just two days, comprising only five ballots. This made it one of the faster conclaves of the modern era, as cardinals quickly consolidated support behind Bergoglio.
What happens immediately after a pope is elected?
The newly elected candidate is asked by the dean of the College of Cardinals if he accepts canonical election. Once he accepts and chooses his papal name, he retires to the Room of Tears to vest in papal white before greeting the public.
