Time magazine names Pope Francis its Person of the Year for 2013.

The Argentine pontiff - elected as leader of the Roman Catholic Church in March - has called for a renewal of the Church and championed helping the poor.

Bobby Ghosh is editor of Time International.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) Bobby Ghosh, Editor, Time International

"We think that in the nine months that he has been Pope, he has been a transformational figure. He has changed perceptions of the Church. He has changed the focus of the Church. He has changed the tone of the Church."

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the award is positive for the Church.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi

"The pope does not look for success or honors but if the declaration of the pope as Man of the Year means that many people have understood the message of the love of God for all, that the pope spreads in the world that is a very important message for all, then this is good ne