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VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has significantly transformed the modern papacy, moving away from traditional ceremonies and privileges. His vision for a more inclusive and compassionate Catholic Church, however, has drawn criticism from conservative factions who long for a return to established norms.
The Vatican confirmed his passing in a video statement on Monday.
Upon his election in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Francis became the first pope in 1,300 years to come from outside Europe, leading a Church that was already grappling with a rift between conservative and progressive values.
This division became starkly evident in the United States, where conservative Catholicism intertwined with right-wing politics, complicating the Church’s response to contemporary social issues.
During the tenures of Francis and his predecessor, multiple popes coexisted, leading to confusion among believers and sparking discussions about the roles of retired popes. The tension intensified in early 2023 with the revelation of an anonymous memo authored by the late Cardinal George Pell, a key conservative figure, which criticized Francis’s leadership as disastrous.
Francis appointed approximately 80% of the cardinal electors who will choose his successor. While this enhances the chance for continuity in his progressive initiatives, experts suggest the next pope might adopt a more centrist approach.
Under his leadership, the Vatican’s governance structure underwent significant changes, allowing baptized lay individuals, including women, to lead various departments. While he made strides in elevating the presence of women in the Church, some felt these changes fell short of expectations.
Elected at the age of 76, Francis’s health was stable for much of his papacy. However, following intestinal surgery in 2021 and subsequent knee issues, he faced physical challenges that impacted his mobility.
His attempts to mediate peace in the ongoing war in Ukraine proved fruitless, despite his consistent calls for a resolution from the onset of the conflict in February 2022.
The war exacerbated tensions between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church, especially after Francis criticized Patriarch Kirill for aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the invasion.
In the face of escalating violence, Francis advocated for peace and humanitarian concerns, including the release of hostages held by Hamas militants, while also voicing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
Bitter Conservative Opposition
From the outset, conservative factions resisted Pope Francis’s informal demeanor and his efforts to broaden the Church’s embrace of marginalized communities. His stance towards LGBT inclusion, approval of conditional blessings for same-sex couples, and restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass attracted opposition.
Cardinal Pell and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke emerged as spokespeople for discontented conservatives, with Burke describing the Church under Francis as lacking direction.
In 2016 and again in 2023, these leaders raised concerns, questioning theological interpretations under Francis’s papacy, leading to widely publicized dissent.
Despite Francis’s inclination towards compassion, discontent among conservative factions grew. In 2022, he took disciplinary measures against Burke, stripping him of limited Vatican privileges, and similarly dismissed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, a vocal critic of his administration.
Further unsettling conservatives, Francis declared the death penalty inadmissible in all circumstances and voiced strong opinions against the arms industry and nuclear weapons proliferation.
At the same time, liberals felt let down in 2020 when he rejected a proposal to ordain married men in isolated regions like the Amazon, a decision seen as necessary by some to address clergy shortages.
Confronting Sexual Abuse Scandals
The sexual abuse crisis haunted Francis throughout his papacy, even though the majority of wrongful acts occurred before his election. He convened a summit in February 2019 to address child abuse, holding bishops accountable for past cover-ups and eradicating “pontifical secrecy” regarding abuse cases.
Victims’ organizations, however, criticized these measures as insufficient, viewing them as reactive rather than proactive.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely limited his travel and face-to-face interactions, a facet of his papacy he valued. Nevertheless, he viewed the pandemic as an opportunity for global renewal, urging a commitment to alleviating inequality between wealthier and poorer nations.
Francis sought to reform the Vatican’s administration, addressing the bureaucratic issues that plagued his predecessors. These efforts were continually undermined by financial scandals.
In 2020, the pope dismissed Cardinal Angelo Becciu amid allegations of financial mismanagement, which marked a significant turn in the Vatican, hinting at a renewed commitment to governance reform.
Becciu, along with several others, faced trial for various financial crimes, and in December 2023, he was convicted, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding financial accountability within the Church.
Pope Francis advanced interfaith dialogue, notably becoming the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula in 2019, although this move generated backlash from conservative critics who accused him of heresy.
His historic visit to Iraq in March 2021 underscored his commitment to fostering relations with vulnerable communities while honoring persecuted Christians.
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrant parents. He initially trained as a chemical technician before pursuing the priesthood, joining the Jesuits in 1958.
His path to the papacy was marked by adversity, including a severe lung illness that resulted in the removal of part of his lung at a young age.
After ordination in 1969, he quickly advanced in the Church, becoming archbishop of Buenos Aires. His tenure saw him clash with government officials, advocating for social issues amidst Argentina’s turbulent political climate, including the military dictatorship of the late 1970s.
A Transformative Papacy
Pope Francis garnered immense global admiration following his election on March 13, 2013, particularly for his focus on simplicity and humility. His first address as pope was a departure from traditional phrases and emphasized brotherhood among humanity.
Choosing the name Francis to honor the saint associated with peace and care for the marginalized symbolized his vision for a Church rooted in humility.
In a stark break from tradition, he opted for modest attire and accommodations, residing in a Vatican guesthouse instead of the papal apartments. His lifestyle illustrated his commitment to a Church dedicated to serving the poor.
His inaugural trip took him to Lampedusa, spotlighting the plight of migrants who risked their lives for a better future.
The year 2018 proved challenging, marked by aggressive media scrutiny regarding sexual abuse scandals. His defense of a bishop accused of negligence provoked outrage, demanding he reassess his approach.
The canonization of several bishops and a wide-ranging investigation into sexual abuse resulted in resignations and calls for accountability throughout the Church hierarchy.
Despite the controversies, Francis maintained considerable international prestige, advocating for social justice and engaging in significant geopolitical dialogues. He completed over 45 international trips, breaking new ground in diplomatic relations.
In 2014, he played a key role in re-establishing relations between the U.S. and Cuba and later facilitated a historic agreement regarding bishops in China.
His commitment to environmental issues was underscored by joint initiatives with the UN on climate change, as he urged immediate action to address the global crisis.
Throughout his papacy, particularly critical issues surrounding migration were highlighted by his actions and appeals, demonstrating his dedication to combatting injustices faced by vulnerable populations.
Known as the “cold call pope,” his efforts to remain accessible and engage directly with people reflected a new approach to leadership, yet also challenged traditional notions of papal authority.
In his pastoral messages, he consistently advocated for a Church that prioritizes the needs of the impoverished, emphasizing that issues of social justice must remain at the forefront of Church action.
Remarkably, even amid his many responsibilities, he maintained a personal connection to his roots and a longing for simpler engagements with people in everyday life.
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