#PopeFrancis
Hashtag celebrating Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s election as first Latin American pope in March 2013.
Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Elected | March 13, 2013 |
| Origin | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Significance | First Jesuit pope, first from Americas |
| Twitter Handle | @Pontifex |
Origin & Impact
The hashtag exploded when white smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel on March 13, 2013, signaling a new pope. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s selection as Pope Francis shocked many—the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years and the first from Latin America.
Francis quickly became known for his humility, progressive statements on social issues, and active social media presence. His embrace of Twitter (@Pontifex with 18+ million followers) made him the most social media-savvy pope in history. The hashtag continues trending during papal visits, major statements, and Vatican events.
Related Hashtags
- #Vatican
- #CatholicChurch
- #Pontifex
- #NewPope