Pope Francis Named ‘Time’ Magazine’s Person Of The Year

Pope Francis Named ‘Time’ Magazine’s Person Of The Year

He was up against Miley Cyrus, Barack Obama, and more big names, but Pope Francis overcame all the odds and was named ‘Time’ magazine’s Person of the Year on Dec. 11. Are you surprised?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s 2013 Person of the Year was an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists, and when all the dust settled, Time‘s managing editor Nancy Gibbs revealed that Pope Francis was the magazine’s choice for the huge honor!

Pope Francis Named Person Of The Year

The Argentinian Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, began his papacy on March 13, 2013, weeks after the startling abdication of Pope Emeritus Benedict.

“What makes this pope so important is the speed with which he has captured the imaginations of millions who had given up on hoping for the church,” Time said in its cover story. “In a matter of months, Francis has elevated the healing mission of the church â€" the church as servant and comforter of hurting people in an often harsh world â€" above the doctrinal police work so important to his recent predecessors. John Paul II and Benedict XVI were professors of theology. Francis is a former janitor, nightclub bouncer, chemical technician and literature teacher.”

He has captured many hearts with his grace and humility, and also helped reshape and challenge Catholic and Protestant views on issues such as homosexuality and capitalism.

On Dec. 9, Nancy revealed this year’s short list of nominees on the Today show. Below is the full list:

Bashar al-Assad
Sen. Ted Cruz
Barack Obama
Hassan Rouhani
Edward Snowden
Pope Francis
Edie Windsor
Miley Cyrus
Jeff Bezos
Kathleen Sebelius

Miley Cyrus Misses Out

It’s amazing that Miley Cyrus was on the final list — thats definitely an honor — though a source told HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that she didn’t have much of a chance of being chosen for the ultimate honor. “She’s definitely not going to be Person of the Year,” the source resolutely told us.

Even still, the fact that she was nominated proves just how huge of a year she had, and how important she’s become to pop culture, and the cultural conversation in general.

So HollywoodLifers, what do you think of Pope Francis being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year? Do you think he was the best choice? Let us know!

– Andrew Gruttadaro

More ‘Time’ Person of the Year News:

1. Barack Obama Is TIME’s Person Of The Year 2012
2. Mark Zuckerberg Named ‘Time’ Magazine’s ‘Person Of The Year’ â€" Do You Agree?
3. ‘The Protestor’ Named TIME Magazine’s Person Of The Year

Hollywood Life