Rockhurst University President Comments on the First Anniversary of Pope Francis’ Election

Thursday, March 13, marks one year since the Most Rev. Jorge Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, became Pope Francis after being elected to the papacy, also becoming the first Jesuit pope of the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

Since his election, Pope Francis has sought to emphasize compassion and service to the poor and others in both his public statements and his own actions. He’s been honored as Time magazine’s Person of the Year and became the first pope to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran commented this week on the anniversary of Pope Francis’ election and the impact he’s had on the Catholic church in that one year.

“In his inauguration, Pope Francis stated ‘authentic power is service,’” Curran said. “As a Jesuit university focused upon leadership, it is encouraging and inviting to have a pope, with a Jesuit heritage, who defines his leadership with service.”

See student, faculty and staff reactions to Pope Francis's first year.