Pope Francis’ Unexpected Moves Shaped A New Era In Catholicism

Man comforting woman at funeral service.

Pope Francis, whose humble leadership revolutionized the Catholic Church over his 12-year papacy, passed away at age 88, leaving behind a complex legacy of modernization efforts that both inspired and divided Catholics worldwide.

Key Insights

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first pope from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit Order, bringing a fresh perspective to the Vatican.
His papacy was marked by significant reforms, including a more compassionate approach toward marginalized groups, revision of Church teaching on capital punishment, and increased roles for women in Church leadership.
Francis championed environmental protection through his influential “Laudato si'” encyclical, which had measurable impact on global climate discussions including the Paris Agreement.
While advancing progressive reforms in some areas, he maintained traditional Church positions on issues like women’s ordination, creating tension with both conservative and liberal Catholics.
His appointments of 110 of the 138 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope ensures his influence will extend beyond his lifetime, shaping the Church’s future direction.

A Humble Beginning to Transformative Leadership

Pope Francis’s journey to the papacy began with humble origins as the child of Italian migrants in Argentina. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he joined the Society of Jesus at age 21, eventually rising to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. His election in 2013 as the 266th pope marked historic firsts: the first pope from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit Order. From the outset, Francis signaled a departure from traditional papal pomp by choosing a modest residence over the apostolic palace and focusing on the marginalized.

His leadership style emphasized mercy and inclusion, famously responding “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests – a stark contrast to his predecessor Benedict XVI’s description of homosexuality as “ordered towards an intrinsic moral evil.” This pragmatic approach to ministry prioritized pastoral care over doctrinal rigidity, earning both admiration and criticism from different quarters of the Church. Throughout his papacy, Francis maintained his commitment to living simply and modeling the humble service he preached.

Champion of Social Justice and Environmental Stewardship

Pope Francis’s papacy was distinguished by his steadfast advocacy for social justice, particularly regarding immigration. He openly opposed mass deportation policies, emphasizing the dignity of every human being. “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,” Francis declared, challenging political leaders to prioritize human dignity over nationalism. His background as a child of migrants informed his compassionate stance toward refugees and immigrants.

Pope Francis reminded his followers that “there is a need to act with urgency, compassion, and determination, since the stakes could not be higher.”

Perhaps Francis’s most significant contribution to global discourse was his groundbreaking 2015 encyclical “Laudato si’,” which framed environmental protection as a moral imperative. The document influenced the Paris Agreement negotiations, with former Vice President Al Gore acknowledging, “we’re blessed with Pope Francis.” The pope described environmental destruction as a “structural sin” and worked to mobilize Catholics worldwide through the Laudato Si’ Movement, which promotes educational initiatives and institutional divestment from fossil fuels.

Church Reforms and Theological Shifts

During his 12-year papacy, Francis implemented substantial institutional reforms within the Vatican. He worked to clean up Church finances, improved transparency in the handling of sexual abuse cases, and promoted a more synodal governance model that emphasized shared decision-making between clergy and laity. While maintaining the Church’s prohibition on women priests, he appointed women to unprecedented Vatican leadership positions and gave lay participants equal rights in synod discussions.

“He has allowed Catholics to talk about this—bishops and theologians—it’s no longer forbidden to talk about these things and have a discussion,” said Dr. Massimo Faggioli, professor of theology at Villanova University.

In 2018, Francis revised Church teaching on capital punishment, declaring it “inadmissible”—a significant theological development that emphasized his commitment to the sanctity of all human life. He broadened representation in the College of Cardinals, appointing leaders from 76 countries, including 25 nations never before represented. These appointments ensure that Francis’s influence will extend well beyond his lifetime, as he selected 110 of the 138 cardinals who will elect his successor.

Global Outreach and Lasting Legacy

Pope Francis expanded the Church’s global reach by visiting countries no previous pope had entered, including Iraq, Mongolia, Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates. These journeys symbolized his commitment to dialogue with other faiths and cultures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his powerful “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from an empty St. Peter’s Square provided spiritual consolation to millions worldwide and emphasized our shared vulnerability and humanity.

“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.

While his papacy attracted criticism from traditionalists who felt he undermined Church teaching and from progressives who wanted more radical changes, Francis’s pastoral approach undeniably shifted the Church’s focus toward mercy, inclusion, and care for creation. His death marks the end of a transformative era in Catholic history, but the reforms he initiated and the cardinals he appointed ensure his vision will continue to influence the Church for generations to come.