Pope Francis is Time’s "Person of the Year," the magazine said on Wednesday, describing him as the most influential figure of 2013.
“The first non-European pope in 1,200 years is poised to transform a place that measures change by the century,” Time said on its website.
Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the pontiff "does not seek fame or success," but "is certainly happy" if the prize helps spread God’s message.
"It is a positive signal that one of the international media’s most prestigious awards is given to someone who announces to the world spiritual, religious and moral values and speaks forcefully for peace and greater justice," Lombardi added.
The shortlist for Time’s award included US whistleblower Edward Snowden, octogenarian US gay rights activist Edith Windsor, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.