Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition due to pneumonia in both lungs, was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, following the unexpected resignation of Benedict XVI.
Before assuming the role of pope, he was known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires. His election marked several historic firsts—he was the first pontiff from the Americas and the first to choose the name Francis, a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century mystic known for his compassion for the poor and deep connection to nature.
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis opted for simpler attire, forgoing the traditional red shoes and silk vestments. However, his impact on the church extended beyond his appearance. His leadership opened the church to the wider world in unprecedented ways.
Care for the marginalized
Pope Francis was deeply committed to reaching out to those on the fringes of society. He personally engaged with the poor, going so far as to transform a Vatican plaza into a sanctuary for the homeless, whom he referred to as “nobles of the street.”
His compassion extended to migrants and prisoners, whose feet he washed during the traditional Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony. In a break from tradition, he also washed the feet of non-Christians, a move that was considered groundbreaking for a pope.
He also fostered a more inclusive approach toward LGBTQ+ individuals, inviting transgender people to the Vatican and encouraging a welcoming stance toward gay and lesbian Catholics.
On doctrinal matters, however, he upheld many traditional Catholic teachings. While he affirmed that homosexual behavior was a “sin,” he also clarified that it should not be criminalized. He was critical of gender theory, arguing that it “blurs” the distinctions between men and women.
Although he maintained the long-standing position that only men could be ordained as priests, he introduced significant reforms that expanded leadership roles for women. For the first time in history, he appointed a woman to head an administrative office at the Vatican. Women were also included in the 70-member body responsible for selecting bishops and the 15-member council overseeing Vatican finances. Additionally, he appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as president of Vatican City, marking another milestone in female leadership within the church.
Not shy of controversy
Some of Pope Francis’ positions provoked resistance from within the Catholic Church.
One of the more contentious issues was his embrace of religious diversity. Speaking at the Seventh Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan in 2022, he declared that people of different faiths were “children of the same heaven.”
While visiting Morocco, he discouraged Catholics from actively seeking conversions, instead urging them to live “in brotherhood with other faiths.” However, some critics felt such statements undermined the belief in Christianity’s unique truth.
Another source of controversy was his push for “synodality,” a call for a more democratic approach to church governance. His synod meetings in November 2023 included laypeople and women as voting members, a significant departure from past practices. This initiative was met with skepticism from bishops who feared it would diminish the authority of priests as spiritual leaders.
Pope Francis also made strategic appointments that could shape the future of the church. He increased the number of cardinals from the Global South, a move that reflected Catholicism’s demographic shift. However, not all Global South bishops aligned with his teachings. For instance, African bishops publicly opposed his December 2023 ruling that allowed blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships.
One of his most controversial actions was restricting the use of the Latin Mass, reversing a decision by Benedict XVI that had expanded its practice. Traditionalists saw the Latin Mass as a cherished part of Catholic heritage, while Francis believed its widespread use created divisions among worshippers.
His commitment to unity also led him to discipline high-profile critics within the church. Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, and Cardinal Raymond Burke were among those penalized for their opposition to his reforms. Additionally, former Vatican ambassador Carlo Maria Viganò was excommunicated for inciting “schism.”
Pope Francis did not shy away from political matters either. He openly criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly efforts to deport migrants. In a letter to U.S. bishops, he invoked the Holy Family, reminding them that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had themselves been refugees in Egypt. He also asserted that undocumented migrants should not be treated as criminals, emphasizing their inherent dignity as human beings.
Writings on “the common good”
Pope Francis’ encyclicals—formal letters addressing critical issues—reflected his vision for a more just world. A recurring theme in his writings was the “common good,” or the shared rights and responsibilities necessary for human flourishing.
His first encyclical, Lumen Fidei (“The Light of Faith”), published in 2013, explored how faith can unite people across different backgrounds.
In Laudato Si’ (“Praise Be to You”), he addressed the environmental crisis, highlighting pollution, climate change, and economic inequality. He called for an “integral ecology” that respects both humanity and the natural world.
His 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti (“Brothers All”), condemned what he termed a “throwaway culture,” where vulnerable groups—such as the poor, the unborn, and the elderly—are cast aside. Uniquely, he concluded this letter by acknowledging non-Catholic figures who inspired him, including Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, and Mahatma Gandhi.
His final encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), centered on God’s love, symbolized by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This sacred image, with flames emanating from Christ’s wounded heart, represents divine love and mercy.
Pope Francis also declared a special “Year of Mercy” in 2015-2016, urging the church to embrace compassion. He frequently described Jesus as “the face of God’s mercy,” reinforcing his message of forgiveness and inclusion.
A historic papacy
Pope Francis’ tenure has been one of historic significance. His commitment to the marginalized set him apart from his predecessors, as he extended the church’s mission to include those often overlooked by society.
He not only reinforced the Catholic Church’s dedication to the poor but also expanded its decision-making processes to be more inclusive. However, his rapid reforms were met with opposition from traditionalists who believed he moved too quickly. The longevity of his changes remains uncertain and will largely depend on his successor.
One of his lasting legacies will be his shift of influence in the Catholic Church from Western Europe to the Global South, where the majority of Catholics now reside. His papacy redefined the church’s engagement with social justice, interfaith dialogue, and governance, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
