Happy 4th Anniversary Pope Francis! - U.S. congratulates pontiff for 4-year papacy

'...I offer my congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis...'

Four years ago, Pope Francis was named the 226th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The exact date of Pope Francis' ascension to the leader of the Catholic Church was March 13, 2013.

Since then, he has made amazing headway in spreading the same messages Christ shared in his day.

As the first Pope from the Americas, and the first non-European and first Jesuit priest to be made pope, Pope Francis made history simply by being elected.

His love for the people and humble lifestyle drew many from different, or even no, religions to the Church. The tone of his papacy earned the Pope global admiration that continues to this day.

In the past four years, Pope Francis has earned a place in billions of hearts around the world, so on his fourth anniversary as Pontiff, the United States extended their congratulations.

U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, released the statement: "On behalf of President Trump and the people of the United States, I offer my congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis on the fourth anniversary of his election as Bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church.

"The United States and Holy See have worked together for decades to face global challenges such as trafficking in persons, food insecurity, epidemics, and the exploitation of religion as a tool to incite hatred and divide nations.

"Together we have build vital partnerships and cooperated to advance peace, liberty, and human dignity around the world.

"On this day I join millions of Americans, and people around the world, in congratulation the Holy Father and wishing him continued success in leading the Catholic Church to make a better world for all."

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