When the College of Cardinals began the conclave on March 12, 2013, the excitement and expectations were palpable. With the Habemus Papam the following afternoon came the name of a stranger, and outsider, who instantly won over the world with the words, “Fratelli e Sorelle, buona sera!” (“Brothers and sisters, good evening!”)

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - Maria Delamonica spoke somewhat sourly of the state of affairs in Argentina, where the economy is teetering and politics are polarized. But her voice brightened when the topic turned to Pope Francis and the changes in the country since he was unexpectedly elected one year ago.

Pope Francis was a virtual unknown outside Church circles when he was introduced to the world a year ago. Catholic News Service reports 10 interesting things we’ve learned about him since then.

Standing in the dim, evening light on St. Peter’s Square a year ago, it never occurred to me a Pope might creep in, switch on the light and rouse us all from our sleep.

VATICAN CITY - As Pope Francis reaches the one-year mark of his papacy, his global flock and a fascinated public are starting to measure the changes he is making against the sky-high hopes for transforming an institution many thought impervious to change.

LEVITTOWN, PA. - Catholic colleges and universities across the United States are attracting military veterans of recent wars with a combination of financial aid, individualized assistance and opportunities for peer support.

For the first time, students from across Canada united in Toronto and held a national event to launch the annual Catholic Students’ Week.

As an aspiring Catholic school teacher, David Easter was drawn to King’s University College in part by a unique collaborative program between the university and Ontario’s high schools.

As the Catholic chaplain at two secular universities Ania Krysciak believes organizing retreats for students with no religious affiliation is critical for their spiritual formation.

VATICAN CITY - Catholic universities must give "uncompromising" and "unambiguous" witness to church teaching and defend themselves from all efforts to dilute their Catholic identity, Pope Francis said.