Eight Ways Pope Francis Made History

When news broke that Pope Francis had died, the world stood still.

For many he was a symbol of hope, humility and paternal love. If there’s one word to describe him, it’s unique.

Pope Francis’ papacy was unlike any other. He held fast to the unchanging truths of our faith, yet also marked history with many “firsts.”

Here are the top eight ways Pope Francis made history:

 

1. The First Jesuit Pope

The Jesuits are a religious community founded by St Ignatius of Loyola which focuses on education, service and justice.

Being a Jesuit wasn’t just something the Pope happened to be. It was who Pope Francis was. It pervaded his entire papacy. 

His spirituality, his leadership, even his radical embrace of poverty all flowed from his Jesuit roots.

He encouraged Catholics to enter the Gospel stories themselves through Jesuit contemplation — imagining themselves present in the scenes of Scripture.

2. First Argentinian Pope

The word Catholic translates to ‘universal’.

The Church belongs to all nations — but at times, it has seemed like it only belongs to Italy and Europe.

Pope Francis, being the first South American Pope, reminds us that the Church is Catholic - universal. It is one body bound to Christ.

3. First Pope to be Named Francis

Ever since 1555, there has been a tradition of the Pope choosing a new name. 

Some names have been very common… 16 Benedicts, 13 Leos and 12 Piuses. However, no one has ever chosen the name Francis until now. 

Pope Francis chose the name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, and it’s clear why:

- Modesty in living 

- Closeness to the poor

- Peace and attempts to resolve world conflicts

- Love for the environment.

- Humility

The same Spirit that guided St Francis, guided this Pope.

4. First Pope to Use Social Media

Today, it can seem like more people trust Google than the Gospel.

Pope Francis didn’t want that.

His vision of the Church was that of a “field hospital”, going out to wherever people need healing. And in the modern day - it’s online.

For the first time, the Church had an official Instagram and Twitter (now X) account. He went to go gather the lost sheep, and made Catholicism accessible to millions of young people. 

And this doesn’t even include the whole generation of Catholic Influencers the Pope has inspired!

In his last tweet, he proclaimed hope in the face of death. It’s a message all need to hear. It read:

“Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”

5. First Pope Since Pius X to live outside papal apartments

Pope Francis in his modest and humility, didn’t want to live in grandeur. Instead, embracing the poverty of St Francis and the Jesuits, decided to opt for the modest 2-room guest house. 

He embraced poverty, not out of necessity, but out of love for Christ.

6. He had a intense focus on being pastoral 

Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II were amazing popes. They were also incredible theologians. Whilst this pope was also very intelligent, he had a major focus on being pastoral and being involved within your congregation. 

Pope Francis urged Catholic clergy, or “shepherds” as he called them, to “smell like the sheep”. His wanted them to be thoroughly integrated with the faithful, especially the marginalised and poor. 

And in Pope Francis’ own life, we can have this mentality - whether it’s the time he washed the feet of drug addicts, or would stop to talk to every journalist. 

God called him to be a Shepherd to his flock.

 

7. First Pope to declare a Year of St Joseph

After Fr Don Calloway’s Consecration to St Joseph became a massive success, Pope Francis officially consecrated 2021 to this saint. 

St Joseph is one of the most holy saints, and protectors of the Church - yet often the most neglected. By declaring the ‘Year of St Joseph’, he presented this saint to millions (if not billions). 

And when people begin to love St Joseph, they imitate his virtues and become like him.

Pope Francis helped the world be transformed into St Joseph. 

8. First Pope to write his own autobiography

Pope Francis was the first pope to write his autobiography. 

This book was released earlier this year, however, was intended by the Vatican to originally be released when he passed away. However due to the liturgical significance of 2025, he published it early. 

From being a child in South America, to helping achieve world peace - Pope Francis reveals the stories that he’s never shared before. 

By the end, it doesn’t just give you an understanding of Pope Francis. But Jorge Bergoglio, the man who dedicated his life to Christ and the Church up until the very end.

Whatever you think about Pope Francis, he was certainly unique. Many people today, after his death, can be tempted to highlight the mistakes he made, or glaze over his life with rose coloured lenses. 

However, for the first time in history, we have the life of this most influential Catholic of the 21st century - written by his own humble hands.

Until the election of a new pope, Hope: An Autobiography, will be discounted for you to understand and contemplate the life of Pope Francis. 

Pray for the repose of his soul.

God Bless,

Virtue Books and Gifts.