Since being proclaimed the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has captivated the world with his charm and humility… And, now the first Pope of the Americas has been named one of this year’s most fascinating people.

The 76-year-old Argentinean church leader, whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has been named to Barbara Walters’ list of the Most Fascinating People of the Year, the broadcast journalist’s annual batch of the people who’ve enthralled the masses during the past year.

In March, Pope Francis was chosen to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics as the first pontiff from Latin America.

Bergoglio, the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, is the first pontiff to pick the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, revered among Catholics for his work with the poor.

One month later, Time magazine named him to its list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Walters’ other picks include Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Lawrence, the cast of A&E‘s Duck Dynasty, Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and Duchess Kate and Prince William’s baby George.

Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year will air on December 18 at 9:30 pm ET on ABC.

Walters will unveil her pick for most fascinating person during the 90-minute special.