On March 13, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Francis. His election was historic, as he became the first Pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. Pope Franciss papacy was marked by a focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to the poor. His election followed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. Pope Francis has had a significant influence on the global Catholic Church, particularly in addressing issues like climate change and poverty.