What happened on March 13 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Pope Francis is elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected as Pope Francis, becoming the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope.
- After the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the papal conclave selected Bergoglio, who took the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
- Pope Francis quickly became known for his emphasis on simplicity, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized.
- He has addressed issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights while maintaining traditional Catholic teachings.
The Phoenix Lights UFO phenomenon
A massive, unexplained formation of lights appeared in the sky over Arizona and Nevada, becoming one of the most famous UFO sightings in history.
- Thousands of people, including pilots and police officers, observed a V-shaped pattern of lights moving silently through the sky.
- The U.S. military later claimed the lights were flares dropped during training exercises, though many remain unconvinced.
- The Phoenix Lights continue to be a subject of debate among UFO researchers, skeptics, and conspiracy theorists.
The Seikan Tunnel opens in Japan
Japan inaugurated the Seikan Tunnel, a 53.85 km (33.5 mi) railway tunnel connecting the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido beneath the Tsugaru Strait.
- Construction took 17 years, involving complex underwater excavation and safety measures to combat flooding risks.
- The tunnel improved connectivity between Japan’s main islands, especially during harsh winter conditions when ferry travel was unreliable.
- In 2016, the tunnel was adapted to accommodate Japan’s famous bullet trains, further enhancing travel efficiency.
L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, is born
Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, an American writer and religious leader, founded the Church of Scientology, a movement that remains controversial today.
- Before founding Scientology, Hubbard was a prolific science fiction and fantasy writer, publishing stories in pulp magazines.
- He developed Dianetics, a self-help system that evolved into the Church of Scientology, emphasizing mental health techniques and spiritual enlightenment.