Pope Francis, the revolution pope who redefined the church and left behind a tradition of equality and reform, passed away on Monday. His dying marks the end of a transformational time for the Catholic Church, which saw both liberal strides and brutal criticism during his career. Known for his modesty and commitment to social justice, Pope Francis reshaped the Vatican and international views of the Church, but not without sparking controversy, especially among liberal parties. From his changes within the Vatican to his questionable position on LGBTQ+ right, his church was marked by daring deeds that permanently altered the course of Catholicism.
A current Pontiff with liberal opinions
When Pope Francis ascended to the pope in 2013, following the departure of Pope Benedict XVI, the Church was profoundly divided. His vote marked a historic time, making him the second non-European bishop in over 1,300 times. Hailing from Argentina, Francis inherited a Church replete with magnetization between the conservative and progressive arms. His tenure, while marked by efforts to make the Church more equitable, even made him a questionable find, particularly in the United States, where liberal Catholicism was often intertwined with right-wing politics.
The first symptoms of this section became visible when, in 2023, an anonymous letter authored by the later Australian Cardinal George Pell condemned Francis ‘ church as a” crisis. ” Pell, a popular figure in the conservative tent, outlined features liberals sought in the next bishop, reflecting the deepening split within the Church.
Reforming the Vatican
Pope Francis ’ career was characterised by strong measures. One of his major achievements was the reform of the Vatican’s law, which allowed any baptized lay Catholic, including women, to guide most departments within the main administration of the Church. Although he appointed more people to top Vatican jobs than any earlier bishop, many liberals felt his steps fell short of their expectations.
Francis was likewise orchestral in implementing economic changes within the Vatican. His decision to fire Cardinal Angelo Becciu in 2020, amid complaints of larceny and economic mismanagement, highlighted his devotion to addressing problem. Despite this, the Vatican continued to face monetary crises during his church.
Traditional backlash
Traditional factions were quick to criticise Francis, particularly his casual style, reluctance to accept Church traditions, and calls for diversity. His choice to include girls and Muslims in earlier male-only Holy Thursday rites was met with fierce criticism. Liberals also objected to his position on LGBTQ+ right, including his acceptance of provisional blessings for same-sex couples in 2023, and his condemnation of conventional practices, specifically 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.
