Since his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis’ pontificate has been marked by a close pastoral style, a focus on mercy, and a commitment to Church reform. Throughout these years, his actions, travels, and teachings have left a profound mark on the life of the Church and the world. Below, we present some of the highlights of his pontificate, based on reliable Catholic sources such as Vatican News, vatican.va, and Exaudi.

1. Apostolic Journeys: Bringing the Gospel to the Ends of the World

Pope Francis has been a tireless pontiff in his mission to bring the Gospel message to all nations. As of October 2023, he has made 44 international apostolic journeys, visiting more than 60 countries on five continents. Among his most notable destinations are the Holy Land (2014), the United States (2015), Mexico (2016), Egypt (2017), Japan (2019), and Iraq (2021), the latter being the first trip by a Pope to that country.

He has also made numerous trips within Italy, including visits to communities affected by natural disasters, such as L’Aquila and Amatrice, demonstrating his closeness to the most suffering.

2. General Audiences and Meetings: Closeness to the People of God

Pope Francis has maintained a steady pace of meetings with the faithful and pilgrims. Since the beginning of his pontificate, he has held more than 400 general audiences on Wednesdays in St. Peter’s Square, bringing together millions of people from around the world. He has also held numerous special audiences with groups, such as young people, the sick, families, and representatives of various professions.

3. Magisterial Documents: Teachings for the Church and the World

Francis’s pontificate has been marked by the publication of magisterial documents that have guided the Church on crucial issues. Among them are:

Three encyclicals: Lumen Fidei (2013), Laudato Si’ (2015) on the care of creation, and Fratelli Tutti (2020) on human fraternity.
Four apostolic exhortations: Among them, Evangelii Gaudium (2013), which defines the program of his pontificate, and Amoris Laetitia (2016), on love in the family.

These documents have been pillars for theological and pastoral reflection in the contemporary Church.

4. Institutional Reforms: Renewing Church Structures

Pope Francis has promoted a series of reforms to modernize and make the Roman Curia more transparent. In 2022, he promulgated the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, which reorganizes the Vatican dicasteries and agencies, placing evangelization at the center of the Church’s mission.

In addition, he has created commissions and working groups to address issues such as the protection of minors, financial transparency, and the fight against abuse. The Commission for the Protection of Minors, established in 2014, is an example of his commitment to this crucial topic.

5. Canonizations and Beatifications: Models of Holiness for Today

During his pontificate, Pope Francis has proclaimed 912 new saints and 1,400 blesseds, recognizing the sanctity of men and women who have lived the Gospel heroically. Among the most notable saints are John Paul II and John XXIII (2014), Teresa of Calcutta (2016), and the martyrs of the Spanish Civil War (2017).

6. Commitment to the Poor and the Marginalized

Pope Francis has been a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized. Through initiatives such as the World Day of the Poor, established in 2017, he has called on the Church and the world not to forget those who suffer. He has also made numerous concrete gestures, such as washing the feet of refugees and prisoners during Holy Thursday Mass.

7. Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue: Building Bridges

Francis’s pontificate has been marked by a strong commitment to interreligious and ecumenical dialogue. He has held historic meetings with leaders of other religions, such as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib, with whom he signed the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019. He has also promoted dialogue with the Orthodox Churches, including a historic meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew I in 2014.

8. Media and Social Media: A Connected Pope

Pope Francis has successfully used media and social media to reach millions of people. His Twitter account (@Pontifex) has more than 50 million followers in nine languages. He has also participated in television programs, interviews, and documentaries, demonstrating an innovative openness to the digital world.

A Pontificate of Mercy and Reform

The numbers of Pope Francis’s pontificate reflect a dynamic leadership, committed to the renewal of the Church and the building of a more just and fraternal world. His simple style and focus on mercy have inspired millions of people around the world. As he himself has said, “The Church is a field hospital,” and its mission is to heal wounds and welcome everyone with love.

In this decade of service, Pope Francis has demonstrated that faith is not just a doctrine, but a path of encounter, dialogue, and hope. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to live the Gospel with joy and commitment.