Pope Francis: Key Stats as 87-Year-Old Pontiff Embarks on Asian Tour
Pope Francis, 87, prepares for a 33,000-km Southeast Asian tour. The first Latin American pope has led for over 11 years, visited 64 countries, and faced health challenges while making significant impacts.
As Pope Francis prepares for an extensive tour of Southeast Asia, his papacy continues to make history. The 87-year-old pontiff is set to embark on a journey covering 33,000 kilometers, visiting four nations in the region.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013, marking a significant milestone as the first Latin American to hold this position. His election also broke ground as he became the first to choose the name Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi. This decision reflects his commitment to simplicity and concern for the poor, traits that have defined his tenure.
In his 11-year reign, Francis has surpassed the average papal tenure of 7.5 years. His age places him as the oldest sitting pope since Leo XIII, who passed away at 93 in 1903. Despite health challenges, including recent hospital visits and mobility issues, the pontiff maintains an active schedule.
The upcoming Southeast Asian tour will be Francis' 45th trip outside Italy. Upon completion, he will have visited over 64 states and territories, accumulating more than 460,000 kilometers in travel. His first international journey as pope was to Brazil in 2013, and he plans to visit Belgium and Luxembourg in September 2024.
Pope Francis has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church through various initiatives. He has canonized more than 900 new saints, including his predecessors John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II, as well as Mother Teresa of Calcutta. His papacy has also been characterized by three significant encyclicals addressing faith, climate change, and post-pandemic solidarity.
"Laudato Si' (Praised Be) is a call for urgent action on climate change."
The pontiff's influence extends beyond religious spheres. He has been a vocal advocate for action on climate change, criticizing capitalism's excesses, and promoting interfaith dialogue. Francis has also taken unprecedented steps, such as washing the feet of women and Muslims on Holy Thursday, breaking with tradition to promote inclusivity.
Despite facing health issues, including operations for diverticulitis and a hernia, Pope Francis continues to lead with vigor. His papacy has embraced modern communication, with over 50 million followers across various language accounts on Twitter. This approach has helped him connect with a global audience and spread his message of compassion and reform.
As Pope Francis embarks on his Asian tour, his legacy as a reformer and global leader continues to evolve. From his humble beginnings as a bouncer and chemical technician in Argentina to becoming Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2013, his journey embodies a commitment to social justice and spiritual leadership that resonates far beyond the Vatican's walls.
