This Day in History for March 13

MAR 13 Friday 2026
Featured event 2013

conclave

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis, making him the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.

Notable Births

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Notable Deaths

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On This Day Quote

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt
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What happened on this day

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  1. 2020
    President Donald Trump declares the COVID-19 pandemic to be a national emergency…

    President Donald Trump declares the COVID-19 pandemic to be a national emergency in the United States.

  2. 2020
    Breonna Taylor is killed by police officers who were forcibly entering her home…

    Breonna Taylor is killed by police officers who were forcibly entering her home in Louisville, Kentucky; her death sparked extensive protests against racism and police brutality.

  3. 2020
    Katerina Sakellaropoulou is sworn in as the first female President of Greece amid…

    Katerina Sakellaropoulou is sworn in as the first female President of Greece amid strict COVID-19 measures.

  4. 2016
    The Ankara bombing kills at least 37 people

    The Ankara bombing kills at least 37 people.

  5. 2016
    Three gunmen attack two hotels in the Ivory Coast town of Grand-Bassam

    Three gunmen attack two hotels in the Ivory Coast town of Grand-Bassam, killing at least 19 people.

View full historical timeline (40 events)

On This Day Quote

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

People born today

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 13?

One highlighted entry is from 2013: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis, making him the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.

Who was born on March 13?

People listed for March 13 include Coco Gauff (2004), Beomgyu (2001), and Tom Dearden (2001).

What observances fall on March 13?

Observances listed for March 13 include Christian feast days: Ansovinus, Christian feast days: Christina of Persia, and Christian feast days: Gerald of Mayo.

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