Exploring Pope Francis’ Impact On The Modern Catholic Church

The impactful legacy of Pope Francis continues to echo throughout the Catholic Church, reshaping its approach toward mercy and inclusivity.

Quick Takes

Pope Francis passed away at age 88, leaving a lasting influence.
He focused on justice, ecology, and humanitarian issues.
His papacy was marked by significant reforms and outreach efforts.
He appointed diverse cardinals, influencing the future of the Church.

Mercy and Inclusiveness Defined Papacy

As the first Jesuit pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis made significant strides in reshaping the Catholic Church with his election on March 13. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he rose to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. His papacy focused on advocating for inclusivity and mercy, revising traditional Church positions such as its stance on capital punishment.

Francis’s papacy saw a concerted effort to engage diverse communities. He visited countries no other pope had before, emphasizing interfaith dialogue and recognition. His encyclical “Laudato si’” addressed ecological concerns, urging for climate action and influencing international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

A Legacy of Reform and Dialogue

Pope Francis’s background as a child of migrants influenced his perspectives on inclusivity. He opposed mass deportation policies and advocated for the equal dignity of every individual. His famous words, “What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly,” captured his focus on justice and equality.

“What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly,” Pope Francis said.

He opened discussions within the Church previously avoided, promoting shared governance and emphasizing lay participation. He boosted women’s roles by appointing them to key Vatican positions, allowing lay participants equal rights in synod discussions.

Pope Francis’s Influence on the Church’s Future

His appointment of 110 out of 138 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope illustrates his influence on the Church’s future direction. His legacy in promoting inclusiveness and dialogue remains crucial in guiding the Church’s future interactions with the global community. Despite facing criticism from both conservative and liberal circles, his efforts in fostering a more sincere, more connected Church make his tenure pivotal.

“His election in 2013 will be seen as a kind of tectonic shift in the life of the Church,” said Michael Sean Winters, writer for the National Catholic Reporter.

Francis emphasized a simplified lifestyle, choosing a modest residence over papal luxury. His simple approach extended to his dealings with ecological and humanitarian issues, contributing to a broader understanding and action within the Church and beyond.