The Election of Francis (The Humble Pope) (English Edition)

This selection of New York Times articles covers events leading to the 2013 election of a new pontiff and paints a portrait of the man, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, who stepped into that role as Pope Francis. Pope Benedict XVI, who had served as head of the Catholic Church for more than seven years, announced in February of 2013 that he would step down later that month — the first papal resignation in 598 years. The college of Catholic cardinals picked the new pope on March 13, ending a secret papal conclave of two days and sending a puff of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. In his emphasis on openness and humility, as well as in his speech, demeanor and dress, Francis was seen from his first days as pope to set a new tone at the Vatican.