Grace Thompson
Pope Francis, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first non-European pope since 741. Elected in 2013, he brought many reforms to the Catholic Church and was known for his humility. Pope Francis's papacy has been marked by a focus on the poor and marginalized, as well as a more conciliatory tone on LGBTQ+ topics compared to his predecessors. He has also emphasized the need for spiritual renewal within the church and greater attention to the plight of migrants. While some Catholics appreciate his progressive stance, others are critical of his relaxation of traditional doctrinal discipline and his vague language, which they believe leads to confusion.
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What You'll Learn
Pope Francis's impact on the Catholic Church
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his death on 21 April 2025. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American, and the first pope born and raised outside of Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope, Gregory III.
Francis' papacy was marked by structural reforms that some viewed as a return to the Church's roots, while others saw them as a departure from tradition. His reforms included a softening of the Church's stance on homosexuality and contraception, an openness to women in leadership positions, and a rejection of the affluent lifestyle often associated with the Bishop of Rome. He was the first pope to use scientific data in a major teaching document, addressing global warming and denouncing a "structurally perverse" world economic system that exploits the poor.
Pope Francis also made inroads with Muslims and believers who had long felt marginalized. He was the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq, the birthplace of Islam and of Abraham, an important prophet in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. During his trip to Abu Dhabi, he met with Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb, one of the highest authorities in Sunni Islam. In another historic first, Francis met with Kirill I, the patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, in 2016, marking the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches.
In terms of social issues, Pope Francis upheld the Church's opposition to abortion, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage. However, he took a more conciliatory tone on some LGBTQ+ topics than his predecessors, famously saying, "Who am I to judge?". He also allowed ordinary priests, not just bishops, to absolve Catholic women who had intentionally terminated a pregnancy. Regarding annulments, Francis first made it easier to obtain one, and then suggested in a footnote to his 2016 encyclical "The Joy of Love" that bishops and priests could accompany and guide divorced and remarried Catholics on a case-by-case basis.
Pope Francis also addressed the problem of sexual abuse within the clergy. He admitted to mishandling certain cases, such as that of Inzoli, and acknowledged that the Church "arrived late" in dealing with sexual abuse. However, he faced criticism for failing to excommunicate abusers and enabling officials, and his attempts to address sexual abuse were seen by some as mere apologetics.
Overall, Pope Francis' impact on the Catholic Church was significant, marked by a return to simplicity and a focus on the poor and marginalized. His emphasis on environmental stewardship and his concern for underserved Catholic populations outside of Europe also set a new tone for the Church.
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Pope Francis's stance on social issues
Pope Francis, the first pope from South America and the first non-European since the 8th century, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in 2025. During his 12-year papacy, he was admired for his commitment to social justice, his progressive stances on various issues, and his efforts to reform the Church and make it more inclusive. However, his views also sparked debates and divisions, particularly among conservative factions within the Church.
Social and Economic Justice
Pope Francis was a strong advocate for social and economic justice, urging global leaders to address social injustices and economic inequalities. He proposed a Universal Basic Income and higher taxes for billionaires to tackle social and economic disparities. He also emphasised the importance of compassion and empathy, arguing against the “culture of winners” and "culture of waste", which often exploit people and nature for financial gain.
Climate Change
Pope Francis recognised that climate change disproportionately impacts the poor, vulnerable, women, and children. He linked environmental issues with social justice, calling for urgent action to address the ecological crisis. He encouraged individuals to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles and urged global leaders to implement sustainable policies and reduce carbon emissions.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Pope Francis advocated for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church, stating that gay people should not be judged. He endorsed the conditional blessing of same-sex couples, which earned him praise from progressive outlets. However, some groups criticised the extent of his tolerance on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly regarding transgender identity and homosexuality.
Women's Ordination
While Pope Francis upheld the Church's stance against ordaining women as priests, he expressed openness to exploring other ministerial roles for women. This approach aimed to balance respect for tradition with addressing calls for greater gender equality.
Interfaith Relations and Migration
Pope Francis promoted ecumenism with other Christian denominations and encouraged dialogue with other religions and secular individuals. He also supported the protection of migrants, criticising the building of walls instead of bridges during his visit to the US-Mexico border in 2016.
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Pope Francis's response to global conflicts
Pope Francis has been recognised for his commitment to peace and the poor. He has been dubbed "the Pope of the peripheries" for his efforts to remember those suffering from conflict. He has used his voice to intervene in global conflicts, appealing for ceasefires and negotiations. He has travelled extensively, making apostolic journeys dedicated to peace, including a historic visit to Iraq in March 2021, where he brought a message of unity and hope.
Pope Francis has also been an outspoken critic of wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar. He has called for an end to violence and the protection of civilians. In the Gaza War, he sparked controversy by calling for a ceasefire and hostage release, while also criticising Israel. He has centred his papacy on supporting refugees, migrants, and the impoverished.
The Pope has addressed global issues such as migration, climate change, tax justice, development, and the rise of autonomous weapons systems. He wrote an op-ed for The New York Times in 2020, addressing COVID-19 restrictions and the need for global solidarity. He has also been an advocate for nuclear disarmament, criticising the global arms trade and the threat of nuclear war.
In 2014, Pope Francis played an instrumental role in facilitating a rapprochement between the United States and Cuba, and he offered symbolic gestures to both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has been praised for his ability to communicate with different sides in a conflict as a neutral and sovereign diplomatic actor.
Pope Francis has also decried the deaths and displacement of children in global conflicts, emphasising that "nothing is worth the life of a child". He has spoken out against the normalisation of violence and displacement, affecting an estimated 38 million children worldwide.
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Pope Francis's health and death
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his death on 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. He was the first pope from Latin America and the first non-European pope since the 8th century.
In the months leading up to his death, Pope Francis received treatment for his health. He was initially admitted to hospital in Rome on 14 February 2025, for bronchitis, which developed into bilateral pneumonia and a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis. On 22 February, the Vatican declared his condition "critical" for the first time. The pope was released from the hospital in March 2025 and returned to the Vatican.
On 21 April 2025, Pope Francis's health took a sudden turn for the worse. He lost consciousness after making a final farewell gesture toward his nurse. His physician, Dr Sergio Alfieri, was summoned and diagnosed the pope with a severe stroke. The pope died at 7:35 that morning at his residence in Vatican City. The official cause of death was a stroke, which led to a coma and irreversible cardiac arrest.
Pope Francis's funeral was held on 26 April 2025, five days after his death, and he was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore. Tens of thousands of people flocked to the Vatican to pay their respects, and many world leaders attended the funeral ceremony, which mostly took place in St. Peter's Square.
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Pope Francis's critics and supporters
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2013 until his death in 2025. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American pope, and the first pope born or raised outside of Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope, Gregory III.
Pope Francis's Supporters
Pope Francis was a globally beloved and respected figure. He was known for his less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace. He favoured simpler vestments devoid of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as a cardinal. He was a vocal critic of the powerful and had a profound influence. He steered the Catholic Church into uncharted territory, softened its image, loosened the Vatican's grip on power, and intervened in some of the major social questions of his time. Progressives welcomed his compassion for "imperfect Catholics", and he emphasised the need to accept, welcome, and accompany LGBTQ+ people, including LGBTQ+ children. He also encouraged parishes around the world to find more leadership roles for women. In August 2018, he revised the catechism of the Catholic Church to fully reject the death penalty, committing the Church to its worldwide abolition. He was also a critic of trickle-down economics, consumerism, overdevelopment, and right-wing populism, and he made action on climate change a leading focus of his papacy. In 2015, he published his first encyclical, Laudato Si', which addressed care for the planet.
Pope Francis's Critics
Pope Francis generated more than his fair share of controversy. Traditionalists were often enraged by actions they felt were a radical departure from Church teaching. They criticised his rejection of trickle-down economics and free-market economics, with some accusing him of espousing "pure Marxism". They also criticised his views on immigration, climate change, and the environment. Pope Francis butted heads with several politicians, including Italian politician Matteo Salvini, Hungary's Viktor Orban, and former US President Donald Trump. In 2024, he used a crude slang term when referring to homosexuals during a session with Italian bishops, saying there was too much "faggotry" in seminaries. He was criticised for supporting Chilean bishop Juan Barros, who was accused of covering up Catholic Church sexual abuse cases in Chile, including crimes committed against minors. He also supported clergy who failed to deal with abuse, although he did introduce rules that meant members of the Church had a responsibility to report abuse or risk losing their positions. He was criticised for not granting bishops' requests for reform on the ordination of women and married men. He also received criticism from Latin American politicians, who believed he did not acknowledge the causes of the suffering of victims of the Venezuelan crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Pope Francis is Catholic. He was elected as Pope in 2013 and is the first non-European Pope since 741.
Pope Francis took a more progressive approach to Catholicism. He focused on the poor and those in need in developing countries. He also attempted to build a church with a less Eurocentric future.
Pope Francis issued the papal encyclical Laudato Si in 2015, which addressed the climate crisis and promoted environmental stewardship. He also promoted unity between Catholics, non-Catholics, and non-Christians. Additionally, he made historic apologies to survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
Pope Francis was criticised for his stance on traditionalist Catholics and his restriction of the Latin Mass. There was also controversy regarding his support for blessing same-sex couples and admitting divorced and remarried Catholics to communion.
Pope Francis' papal motto was "Miserando atque eligendo", which translates to "by having mercy and by choosing". This motto reflects the central theme of his papacy, emphasising God's mercy.
