section_path: Catholicism today/Francis
section_name: Francis
paragraph_text: Francis
  
  With the election of Pope Francis in 2013, following the resignation of Benedict XVI, Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. Since his election to the papacy, he displayed a simpler and less formal approach to the office, choosing to reside in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal residence. He signalled numerous dramatic changes in policy as well—for example removing conservatives from high Vatican positions, calling on bishops to lead a simpler life, and taking a more pastoral attitude towards homosexuality.