Pope Francis chosen as Person of the Year

On December 11, the prestigious Time Magazine selected Pope Francis as Person of the Year 2013. Time explained this choice as the new leader of the Catholic Church has changed the perception of the more than 2,000-year-old organization in a different way in just a short time.

The “Person of the Year” election has been held by Time magazine since 1927. The criteria of difference are always placed at the top of this annual election.

Pope Francis has been chosen by Time as Person of the Year 2013. Photo: Telegraph

Pope Francis, 76 years old, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was appointed Archbishop of Argentina in 1998, became a Cardinal in 2001 and was elected Pope in a conclave at the Vatican on March 13, replacing Pope Benedict XVI. He is the first Pope from a Latin American country.

Since taking over the Vatican, Pope Francis has called on the Catholic church to be free of “narrow rules” and to emphasize compassion rather than rebuke when dealing with sensitive issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and contraception.

“He really stood out to us as someone who changed the perspective and the perception and the focus of one of the world's greatest institutions in a very special way,” said Nancy Gibbs, executive director of Time magazine.

In a statement, the Vatican said it was not surprised that Pope Francis was honored by Time because the Pope's prestige and influence are indisputable. However, the Vatican also said that Time's choice was a positive recognition of the spiritual values ​​of international media.

“The Holy Father is not seeking to become more famous or to seek titles,” said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi. “However, if the choice of Person of the Year helps to spread the message of the Gospel – a message of God’s love for all – the Pope will certainly be pleased.”

This is the third time a Pope has been chosen as Time's Person of the Year. Previously, Pope John Paul II was chosen in 1994 and Pope John XXIII was chosen in 1962.

In addition to whistleblower Edward Snowden, the list of finalists for this year's election includes gay rights activist Edith Windsor, US Senator Ted Cruz, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

According to VOV/AP