Pope Francis, a transformative leader of the Catholic Church known for his humble demeanor and progressive stances, has died at 88, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped modern Catholicism in profound ways.
At a Glance
- Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first pope from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit Order
- His papacy emphasized justice, ecology, and human dignity while reforming Church finances and addressing sexual abuse scandals
- Francis revised Catholic teaching on capital punishment, declaring it “inadmissible” in 2018
- He broadened representation in the College of Cardinals, appointing cardinals from 76 countries including 25 new representations
- His groundbreaking environmental encyclical “Laudato si'” influenced global climate policy including the Paris Agreement
A Pontiff of Firsts
Born in Argentina to Italian immigrants, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first pope from the Americas when he ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013, at age 76. His background as a child of migrants significantly influenced his perspective on global issues, particularly his advocacy for refugees and immigrants.
Breaking from tradition, Francis chose to live in the modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, eschewing luxury in favor of simplicity. This humble approach extended to his communication style, which connected with ordinary people in ways his predecessors often could not. His papacy was marked by historic firsts, including visits to nations never before seen by a pope.
Francis’s governance style represented a significant departure from his predecessors. He promoted a “synodal” model of church leadership, encouraging shared decision-making between clergy and laity. This approach extended to his appointments, as he placed women in key Vatican positions and granted lay participants equal rights in synod discussions – moves that shocked traditionalists but endeared him to those seeking modernization of church structures. His influence will extend well beyond his death, as he appointed 110 of the 138 cardinals eligible to vote for his successor.
Champion for Environmental Justice
Perhaps Francis’s most significant global contribution came through his passionate advocacy for environmental protection. His 2015 encyclical “Laudato si'” framed environmental destruction as a “structural sin” and connected climate change to broader issues of global inequality. This groundbreaking document had remarkable influence beyond Catholic circles, with many crediting it with helping shape the Paris Climate Agreement negotiations that same year. The Pope didn’t just write about these issues – he took action by establishing the Laudato Si’ Movement to mobilize Catholics worldwide.
“There is a need to act with urgency, compassion and determination, since the stakes could not be higher.”, stated Pope Francis.
Francis engaged directly with both climate activists and industry leaders. He met with youth climate activist Greta Thunberg and convened unprecedented meetings with major oil company executives to address global warming. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore acknowledged this impact, stating: “we’re blessed with Pope Francis.” While controversial among some Catholic conservatives, his environmental advocacy established the Church as a significant voice in global climate discussions.
Reformer of Church Teaching
Francis implemented several notable reforms to Church teaching and practice. In 2018, he revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church to declare capital punishment “inadmissible,” a significant shift from previous Church positions that had allowed for the death penalty in rare circumstances. His famous “Who am I to judge?” comment regarding homosexuality signaled a more pastoral approach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, though he stopped short of changing fundamental doctrine. Francis also broadened the Church’s global representation, appointing cardinals from regions previously overlooked.
According to Michael Sean Winters: “His election in 2013 will be seen as a kind of tectonic shift in the life of the Church.”
The Pope’s position on political issues often generated controversy. He opposed Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans for illegal migrants, criticized Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, and commented on the Russia-Ukraine war. Throughout these controversies, Francis consistently emphasized human dignity and social justice. His efforts to reform the Vatican Bank and address the Church’s sexual abuse crisis yielded mixed results, with critics arguing he didn’t go far enough while supporters pointed to his unprecedented transparency measures.
Legacy of Compassion
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Francis demonstrated his pastoral leadership through a special “Urbi et Orbi” blessing delivered from an empty St. Peter’s Square. The powerful image of the Pope standing alone in the rain symbolized both the isolation experienced worldwide and the Church’s enduring presence during crisis. Throughout his papacy, Francis emphasized mercy and compassion, particularly toward those on society’s margins – prisoners, refugees, the impoverished, and the disabled.
As cardinals now gather to select his successor, Francis leaves behind a Church transformed. While not implementing all the reforms progressive Catholics desired, nor maintaining the traditions conservatives preferred, his papacy undeniably shifted Catholicism toward greater compassion, environmental consciousness, and global representation. His legacy will be debated for generations, but few would dispute that Pope Francis profoundly reshaped the world’s largest Christian denomination through his unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized and protecting our common home.
