Pope Francis: A Decade of Papal Milestones and Global Influence

Pope Francis, elected in 2013, has undertaken 45 international trips, named over 900 saints, and authored three encyclicals. Despite health issues, including operations, he continues to lead. His papacy, notable for its duration and global reach, marks significant milestones in church history.

Pope Francis is in the midst of a substantial 33,000-km tour across four Southeast Asian nations, reflecting his global engagement since becoming pope on March 13, 2013. Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, now Pope Francis, is the first pontiff from Latin America and has already surpassed the average papal reign.

During his 11-year leadership, Pope Francis has completed 45 foreign trips covering over 460,000 km. His health has been a concern, with recent medical procedures and ongoing conditions like sciatica and diverticulitis. Nevertheless, he continues to actively participate in his duties, often relying on a cane or wheelchair.

Pope Francis has canonized over 900 saints and has made significant contributions to papal literature with three encyclicals: 'Lumen Fidei,' 'Laudato Si,' and 'Fratelli Tutti.' His outreach is seen as a blend of continuity and innovative leadership within the Catholic Church.

(With inputs from agencies.)