Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church for the past 12 years, died Monday at age 88 after a period of significant health challenges. Francis, whose background and social stances made him unique among popes, leaves behind a legacy of attempts to reorient the Catholic Church toward vulnerable populations, both internally and politically.
A history-making and unique pope
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis became pope in 2013 following the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. The BBC reported that his election made Francis the first Latin American pope in history and the first pope in centuries to take office while his predecessor was still alive. Francis was also the first pope to be a member of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, a Catholic religious order known for its missionary work and public service; he adopted the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan religious order. According to The Associated Press, as pope, Francis embodied the humility and lack of self-aggrandizement represented by these religious orders; he lived in the Vatican hotel instead of the palatial Apostolic Palace, rode in a small car, and wore simple shoes instead of the traditional red loafers of previous popes.
Progressive social views caused controversy
As pope, Francis set a progressive tone for the Catholic Church, per The Guardian. Francis promoted greater incorporation of LGBTQ+ people, women and divorced Catholics into Church life and sometimes leadership positions. While he didn’t generally change official Church doctrine concerning these issues, his tone and willingness to interpret Catholic teachings in more inclusive ways were very different from his socially conservative predecessors. While not going far enough for some progressives, Francis’ social policies drew anger and opposition from many traditionalists in the Catholic Church, including the generally conservative contingent of United States bishops who sometimes questioned his policies and leadership, according to PBS. Francis’ relationship with the U.S. branch of the Church was not all negative, however. In 2020, he appointed Washington, D.C.’s Archbishop Wilton Gregory as the first Black American cardinal in the Catholic Church.
Francis and U.S. politics
Francis emphasized care for marginalized and vulnerable people, with a particular focus on refugees and the impoverished. His stances brought him into heated political debates around the world. Francis enjoyed a cordial relationship with President Barack Obama, Politico mentioned, with whom he agreed on issues such as addressing climate change and mass incarceration reform. Francis clashed with President Donald Trump during the latter’s first administration. CNN reported that Francis publicly criticized Trump’s pledge to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico.
“Those who build walls will become prisoners of the walls they put up,” the pope said.
Francis had a much closer relationship with President Joe Biden, the second Catholic president in U.S. history; during his final days in office, Biden awarded Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom, NPR reported. Although Francis had been critical of the immigration policies of the current Trump administration, The Associated Press reported that the pope met briefly with Vice President JD Vance, also a Catholic, on Easter Sunday.
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world have lost one of its most prominent voices for progressivism and inclusivity. The process will start soon to choose a new pope who may continue the agenda set by Francis or attempt to forge a new path, but for now, world leaders and Catholic faithful across the globe are mourning Francis and acknowledging his legacy.
