Topic summary
Inauguration of Pope Francis
Papacy
Teachings and writings
Church governance and reform
Social and moral issues
Ecumenism and interfaith relations
Diplomacy and world affairs
Health, death, and legacy
Pope Francis was inaugurated on 19 March 2013 in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Holy Mass was celebrated before political and religious leaders from around the world. The crowd was estimated between 150,000 and 200,000. Official delegations from 132 states and various religious groups attended. It was the first papal inauguration attended by the Patriarch of Constantinople in over 1,000 years.