From the Center
AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
His ascension to the papacy heralded many firsts.
Francis was the first Pope from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere. Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome.
He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St Peter - Jesuits were historically looked on with suspicion by Rome.
His predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years and for almost a decade the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes.
Check for Bias
The AI-powered AllSides Bias Checker instantly reveals the bias of a news article. Tap the button to use.
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
What to Make of the Pentagon's Office of Religious Affairs
October 2nd, 2026
News
Tracking Trump’s Campaign Promises
AllSides Staff
October 2nd, 2026
News
Media Bias Alert: Missing Miscarriage Data, a Custody Dispute, and a Two-Year-Old’s Euthanasia
Malayna J. Bizier
September 28th, 2026
Red Blue Translator