Pope Francis named Time's 2013 Person of the Year

Eun Kyung KimTODAY

28 minutes ago

Time Magazine

Pope Francis was chosen by the magazine for his impact on the world and news in 2013.

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff who won hearts and headlines with his humility and common touch, was named Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2013, the magazine revealed Wednesday on TODAY.

The iconic title goes every year to the individual chosen by Time editors as someone who has had the most impact on the world and the news — for better or worse — over the past year.

"It was a very interesting choice this year," said managing editor Nancy Gibbs Wednesday.

The magazine staff makes the ultimate decision, Gibbs said, but they poll readers and take public opinion into account.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told TODAY in a statement that "the Holy Father is not looking to become famous or to receive honors. But if the choice of Person of Year helps spread the message of the gospel — a message of God's love for everyone — he will certainly be happy about that."

The Argentinian was elected pope in March, just weeks after the surprise abdication of his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict. He quickly reshaped the public image of the papacy, challenging Catholics and Protestants alike on the interpretation of Church dogma on issues ranging from homosexuality to capitalism.

Pope Francis beat out several other heavyweights on the short list for Person of the Year, including the person who held the title in 2012, President Obama.

Edward Snowden, an American fugitive and former National Security Administration contractor who leaked thousands of top-secret documents about U.S. surveillance programs, ranked second in Time’s list.

Rounding out the top five were gay rights activist Edith Windsor, whose Supreme Court victory led to the fall of the Defense of Marriage Act; Syrian President Bashar Assad, for the role he played in his nation’s civil war; and Tea Party darling Sen. Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican known for his filibustering skills.

Pope Francis won the popular vote on TODAY.com, with an overwhelming 59 percent.