Pope Francis, the revolutionary pontiff who redefined the papacy and left behind a legacy of inclusivity and reform, passed away on Monday. His death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, which saw both progressive strides and fierce opposition during his tenure. Known for his humility and commitment to social justice, Pope Francis reshaped the Vatican and global perceptions of the Church, but not without sparking controversy, particularly among conservative factions. From his reforms within the Vatican to his controversial stance on LGBTQ+ rights, his papacy was marked by bold actions that forever altered the course of Catholicism.
A modern Pontiff with progressive views
When Pope Francis ascended to the papacy in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the Church was deeply divided. His election marked a historic moment, making him the first non-European pope in over 1,300 years. Hailing from Argentina, Francis inherited a Church rife with polarization between the conservative and progressive wings. His reign, while marked by efforts to make the Church more inclusive, also made him a controversial figure, particularly in the United States, where conservative Catholicism was often intertwined with right-wing politics.
The first signs of this division became evident when, in 2023, an anonymous memo authored by the late Australian Cardinal George Pell condemned Francis’ papacy as a “catastrophe.” Pell, a prominent figure in the conservative camp, outlined qualities conservatives sought in the next pope, reflecting the deepening divide within the Church.
Reforming the Vatican
Pope Francis’ tenure was characterised by bold reforms. One of his significant achievements was the overhaul of the Vatican’s constitution, which allowed any baptized lay Catholic, including women, to lead most departments within the central administration of the Church. Although he appointed more women to senior Vatican roles than any previous pope, many progressives felt his actions fell short of their expectations.
Francis was also instrumental in implementing financial reforms within the Vatican. His decision to fire Cardinal Angelo Becciu in 2020, amid accusations of embezzlement and financial mismanagement, highlighted his commitment to addressing corruption. Despite this, the Vatican continued to face financial scandals during his papacy.
Conservative backlash
Conservative factions were quick to criticise Francis, especially his informal style, reluctance to embrace Church traditions, and calls for inclusivity. His decision to involve women and Muslims in previously male-only Holy Thursday rituals was met with fierce opposition. Conservatives also objected to his stance on LGBTQ+ rights, including his approval of conditional blessings for same-sex couples in 2023, and his criticism of traditionalist practices, particularly the Latin Mass.
US Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, a key conservative critic, famously compared Francis’ leadership to a “ship without a rudder.” In response, Francis dismissed several of his fiercest critics from positions of influence, including Cardinal Burke and Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, in a show of force against the conservative resistance.
The Struggle for peace and global leadership
Pope Francis was also deeply engaged in global issues, especially the war in Ukraine. Despite making repeated appeals for peace, his failure to mediate a resolution was a significant disappointment. His relations with the Russian Orthodox Church soured in 2022 after he called Patriarch Kirill of Moscow “Putin’s Altar Boy” for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His statements, often critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, further complicated his relations with both the Israeli government and some parts of the Catholic faithful.
During his papacy, Francis was a staunch advocate for nuclear disarmament, the abolition of capital punishment, and the protection of the environment, earning both admiration and criticism from different quarters.
A troubled year: Scandals and controversies
Francis’ papacy was also marred by ongoing sexual abuse scandals, which overshadowed many of his efforts for reform. His 2018 visit to Chile became a “annus horribilis” for the Pope, following accusations of defending a bishop accused of covering up abuse. Later, a Vatican investigation led to the resignation of Chilean bishops and the defrocking of priests involved in the scandal. The Church’s handling of sexual abuse cases continued to haunt the Vatican throughout his tenure.
Despite these challenges, Francis took bold steps to restore credibility by holding a summit in 2019 to address child sexual abuse and making bishops accountable for covering up abuse. He also abolished “pontifical secrecy” in abuse cases, signalling a shift toward greater transparency.
Bridging divides: A global leader
One of Pope Francis’ most significant achievements was his ability to bridge religious divides. His 2019 visit to the Arabian Peninsula made him the first pope to visit the region, underscoring his commitment to interfaith dialogue. Similarly, his trip to Iraq in 2021 further solidified his efforts to foster peace and understanding between Christians and Muslims.
Internationally, Pope Francis was widely regarded as a moral authority. His mediation between the United States and Cuba in 2014 led to a historic rapprochement, while his outreach to countries like Myanmar and North Macedonia marked his ongoing efforts to foster peace and solidarity.
The humble beginnings of Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrant parents, Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s path to the papacy was shaped by a modest upbringing. Before entering the Jesuit order, Bergoglio worked as a chemical technician and battled serious health issues, including the removal of part of his lung after contracting pneumonia.
He was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. During this time, he frequently clashed with the Argentine government, focusing on social issues and championing the needs of the poor. Despite controversy over his alleged silence during Argentina’s military dictatorship, Francis’ leadership in Buenos Aires earned him a reputation for humility and social justice.
A simple papacy
Upon his election as pope, Francis made an immediate impression with his simplicity. He chose not to wear the traditional crimson robes and opted for simple black shoes instead of the customary red papal slippers. He eschewed the lavish papal apartments and chose to live in the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, emphasizing his connection with the people.
His first words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, “Brothers and sisters, good evening,” broke with tradition and set the tone for his papacy – one focused on humility, reform, and inclusivity.
Legacy of a controversial papacy
Pope Francis’ papacy was defined by his progressive vision for the Catholic Church, his commitment to social justice, and his efforts to engage with global issues. While his actions made him a polarising figure, especially among conservatives, his efforts to reshape the Church will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the papacy and the broader Catholic community.
As the Catholic Church mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy will be remembered for its bold reforms and efforts to make the Church more inclusive, compassionate, and engaged with the world.
