2013

2013 was an ordinary year that began on a Tuesday according to the Gregorian calendar. It was the 2013th year in ordinary chronological reckoning, part of the 2010s decade.

The year witnessed periods of political and technological change across various parts of the world, including a transition in the leadership of the Catholic Church, elections and protests in many countries, and debate concerning internet surveillance.

Religion and the Vatican

In February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from office, a rare step not seen for several centuries. In March, Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected, taking the name Francis. He became the first pope from Latin America.

Surveillance revelations and Snowden

In June 2013, Edward Snowden, who had previously worked as a contractor for United States intelligence agencies, provided the press with documents concerning NSA surveillance programs both domestic and foreign. The revelations sparked global debate over privacy rights, the relationship between governments and technology companies, and the limits of security measures.

Politics and conflicts

Syria continued its civil war, and an agreement was reached to destroy the country's chemical weapons stockpile. Egypt experienced political upheaval following massive protests and military intervention against the newly elected president. Other countries including Turkey and Brazil saw large-scale protests that summer.

Notable deaths

In December 2013, Nelson Mandela died, the first president of South Africa elected in a universal suffrage election. The year also saw the deaths of other prominent leaders and figures, including Hugo Chávez, president of Venezuela, and Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of the United Kingdom.