Leaving behind a legacy of ambitious yet controversial reforms, the death of Pope Francis at age 88 marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the 266th leader of the Catholic Church.
He ascended to the papacy in 2013, following the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
Taking the name Francis, he embraced and honored St. Francis of Assisi, known for his dedication to the poor and the environment.
This choice was no mere gesture; Francis was deeply committed to both causes throughout his papacy.
Under Francis, the Church underwent significant reforms to increase transparency and engage with social justice issues, such as climate change and poverty.
His encyclicals, Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, defined his papacy by calling for urgent environmental leadership and emphasizing universal fraternity.
Although these messages resonated powerfully, they were not universally positive among the global Catholic community, sparking a mix of praise and skepticism.
National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry president Elisabeth Román expressed the early excitement surrounding Francis’ election.
She stated, “It was so exciting, it felt electric — things felt so hopeful, that we would finally have a pope who comes from our culture.”
Latino Catholics, who make up over a third of U.S. Catholic congregants, cherished the pope’s connection to their heritage, drawn to his compassion for the poor and his vocal defense of migration.
The response to Pope Francis’ inclusive approach was mixed within the Church.
His outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and advocacy for a greater role for women drew both praise from progressives and concern from traditionalists.
These progressive shifts, along with his criticisms of wealth inequality and certain world leaders’ policies, marked him as a “pope of the people.”
Although some conservatives viewed these moves as unsettling, he remained within the bounds of Church doctrine.
Francis strongly criticized initiatives like President Donald Trump’s immigration strategies, focusing on compassion for migrants and opposing walls as solutions.
His deep connection to Latinos echoed the ties Polish Americans felt with John Paul II.
During his visits to the Americas, Francis addressed significant issues from peace talks in Colombia to condemning the violence of Mexican drug cartels.
Even though they were sometimes controversial, these actions aimed to create a more just and peaceful world.
The College of Cardinals now faces the daunting task of electing Francis’ successor.
This role will demand delicate negotiation between Francis’ reformist agenda and the more traditional elements within the Church.
The process in Vatican City will stick to tradition. Cardinals under the age of 80 will cast votes in secrecy, hoping to select a leader capable of navigating this post-Francis landscape.
Pope Francis’ legacy is that of a compassionate, reform-minded pontiff, whose work to modernize and humanize the Catholic Church will continue to resonate in conversations long after his lifetime.
As the Church braces for its next chapter, his message of empathy, inclusiveness, and reform will undoubtedly serve as both a guide and a challenge for the next leader chosen to carry forward his vision.
