The magazine's cover (via Twitter/@KTLA).

He was given the award based on his evolving church teachings and humility at the hands of the people. 

"For pulling the papacy out of the palace and into the streets, for committing the world's largest church to confronting its deepest needs, and for balancing judgment with mercy, Pope Francis is Time's 2013 Person of the Year," said the magazine. "In a matter of months, Francis has elevated the healing mission of the church — the church as servant and comforter of hurting people in an often harsh world — above the doctrinal police work so important to his recent predecessors." 

Argentine Pope Francis succeeded Pope Benedict XVI in March when Benedict was too ill to carry on his duties. He became the first pope in 1,300 years to be from outside of Europe, and also the first Jesuit and Latin American. 

Currently, Pope Francis lives a modest life, forgoing living in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace for a guest house. He also traded in a Mercedes for a Ford Fusion. 

"The Holy Father is not looking to become famous or to receive honors, but if the choice of Person of Year helps spread the message of the Gospel — a message of God's love for everyone — he will certainly be happy about that,” said Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi. 

He is the third pope to receive such an honor. Pope John Paul II in 1994 and John XXIII in 1962. 

Pope Francis won the award against finalists such as Edward Snowden, Bashar al-Assad, Ted Cruise, Miley Cyrus and Edith Windsor. Winners are selected by Times editors, with suggestions by Twitter followers.

Reach Executive Producer Jillian Morabito here.