The Papacy Under Reform: A Portrait of Pope Francis

This documentary starts with an intimate look at Pope Francis, a figure recognized worldwide for his reformist agenda, and the synodal process, a key initiative aimed at reshaping the Catholic Church. We see the Pope interacting with the public, and hear that although many Catholics view him as a reformer, some believe his pace is insufficient. This section sets the stage by highlighting the Pope's approach to leadership, which, according to sources, encourages open debate, embraces uncertainty, and empowers dialogue, a contrast to the traditional, top-down approach. The core of the analysis is the synodal process, a multi-year undertaking intended to involve clergy and laypeople globally to collaboratively chart the Church’s future. A concrete example is provided with the story of Ayata Lydia Natana, an Indonesian Catholic, who overcame COVID restrictions to be a part of the process to represent the youth of Asia.

The synodal process's ambition lies in fundamentally changing the Church by promoting listening and dialogue. The quote: "Meeting and listening to one another is not an end in itself…when we enter into dialogue, we question ourselves, we move, and in the end we are no longer the same as before; we've changed."
A recurring concern from the Church's advisors is the Pope's tendency to start initiatives without necessarily seeing them through to completion, yet he trusts that the results will emerge along the way. Another example of tension is the group Maria 2.0, who feel excluded from these processes.
The Pope's focus on dialogue and inclusivity can be applied by organizations by inviting diverse perspectives and building trust within teams, which can lead to more innovative and effective decision-making processes.

Pope Francis: A Life of Humility, Reform, and Controversy

April 21, 2025

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who transformed the Catholic Church with his emphasis on mercy, social justice, and environmental stewardship, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a papacy characterized by significant reforms, progressive initiatives, and occasional controversies that both energized and divided the Church.

Early Life and Pre-Papal Career

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents, Francis grew up in a middle-class family. His father Mario was a railway accountant and his mother Regina was a dedicated homemaker. After graduating as a chemical technician, Bergoglio felt called to the priesthood and entered the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto.

On March 11, 1958, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). After completing his studies in humanities in Chile, he returned to Argentina to obtain a degree in philosophy from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel. He taught literature and psychology before studying theology and being ordained a priest on December 13, 1969.

Bergoglio's rise through the Church hierarchy was steady. On July 31, 1973, he was appointed Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina, a position he held for six years. In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires. In 1998, he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and in 2001, John Paul II made him a cardinal.

During Argentina's "Dirty War" in the late 1970s, Bergoglio's role became a source of controversy. Some accused him of complicity in the disappearance of two Jesuit priests, while others maintained he worked behind the scenes to secure their release. This period would later cast a shadow on his legacy, despite a lawsuit regarding the priests' disappearances being dismissed.

Papal Election and Style

On March 13, 2013, Bergoglio was elected pope following Benedict XVI's resignation. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, signaling his commitment to the poor, peace, and environmental protection. From the outset, Francis established a simpler, less formal approach to the papacy, eschewing the traditional papal residence for the Vatican guesthouse, choosing simpler vehicles over elaborate "popemobiles," and wearing a plain white cassock instead of more ornate papal garments.

Major Achievements and Reforms

Pope Francis's papacy was marked by several significant achievements:

Environmental Leadership: His 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si'" addressed the climate crisis and called for environmental stewardship, becoming a landmark document that influenced global climate discussions.
Financial Reform: He implemented significant changes to improve financial transparency and accountability within the Vatican, reorganizing economic and administrative affairs.
Synodality: Francis emphasized a more collegial approach to Church governance, culminating in the Synod on Synodality that began in October 2023, which has been described as the most important Catholic event since the Second Vatican Council.
Diplomatic Initiatives: He played a key role in restoring diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba in 2015 and made historic visits to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, and other countries never before visited by a pope.
Outreach to Marginalized Groups: Francis consistently emphasized the Church's responsibility to care for the poor, refugees, and other marginalized populations.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite his popularity, Francis's papacy was not without controversy:

Vatican-China Agreement: In 2018, Francis approved a provisional agreement with China on the appointment of bishops, which critics like Cardinal Joseph Zen called a step toward the "annihilation" of the Catholic Church in China.
Sexual Abuse Response: While Francis made more substantive efforts than his predecessors to address the clergy sexual abuse crisis, critics argued his actions were insufficient. The case of Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik, accused of psychological, spiritual, and sexual abuse against multiple women, drew significant controversy due to the Vatican's handling of the allegations.
LGBTQ+ Issues: Francis's approach to LGBTQ+ Catholics was characterized by a mix of inclusive language ("Who am I to judge?") and traditional doctrinal positions. In 2023, he approved the blessing of same-sex couples while maintaining Church teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, a move that pleased progressives but angered conservatives.
Absence from Argentina: Despite making over 45 international trips during his papacy, Francis never returned to his native Argentina, a decision some attributed to his desire to avoid being seen as taking sides in the country's polarized political environment.

Possible Successors

With Francis's death, attention now turns to the College of Cardinals, which will gather in the coming weeks to elect a new pope. Several cardinals are considered frontrunners for the papacy:

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67): Currently leading the Church's evangelization office, Tagle shares Francis's progressive views on issues like treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and divorced Catholics. His election would represent continued focus on the Church in Asia.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): As Secretary of State, Parolin holds the second-highest position in the Church and is known as a skilled diplomat. His election might signal a focus on geopolitical challenges facing the Church.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76): A vocal advocate on issues like climate change, poverty, and economic justice, Turkson would be the first African pope in modern times if elected.
Cardinal Peter Erdő (Hungary, 72): A respected canon law scholar and traditionalist, Erdő represents the more conservative wing of the Church while having shown willingness to work with Francis despite theological differences.
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France, 66): Known for his folksy nature and ideological proximity to Francis, especially on immigration and relations with the Muslim world, Aveline would be the first French pope since the 14th century.

Of the 138 cardinals under 80 who are eligible to vote in the conclave, the vast majority were appointed by Francis, potentially increasing the likelihood of a successor who shares his pastoral approach and concern for social justice.

Legacy

Pope Francis will be remembered as a transformative figure who sought to reorient the Church toward mercy and social justice while maintaining core Catholic doctrine. His emphasis on the "peripheries" of society, environmental stewardship, and interreligious dialogue represented significant shifts in the Church's priorities.

As the Church enters a period of transition, Francis's legacy will continue to shape its engagement with contemporary challenges, from climate change to economic inequality to interfaith relations. Whether his successor continues his reforms or charts a different course, Francis's papacy has indelibly altered the landscape of global Catholicism.

Sources

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Wikipedia. "Pope Francis." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis
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SIDEBAR: How Pope Francis Shaped the Church's Future Leadership and Structure

Pope Francis implemented significant changes to both the personnel and the institutional structure of the Catholic Church during his pontificate, positioning allies in key roles and redesigning Church governance to better reflect his vision. These strategic moves were calculated to ensure his legacy would endure long after his papacy ended.

Reshaping the College of Cardinals

Francis dramatically transformed the College of Cardinals, the group responsible for electing his successor, through ten consistories (cardinal-creating ceremonies) over his papacy:

Numerical Dominance: By his final consistory in December 2024, Francis had appointed 110 of the 140 cardinal electors (79%), compared to just 24 appointed by Benedict XVI and 6 by John Paul II Wikipedia notes that "Following the 2024 consistory, 110 of the cardinal electors had been appointed by Francis, 24 by Pope Benedict XVI, and 6 by Pope John Paul II."
Geographic Diversification: Francis expanded the College's global representation, appointing cardinals from 76 countries, 25 of which had never before had a cardinal Wikipedia reports that Francis's "appointments include the first Scandinavian since the Reformation, the first from Goa since an episcopal see was established there in 1533, the first from Latin America's indigenous peoples, the first from India's Dalit community."
Breaking Traditions: Francis consistently bypassed traditional "cardinal sees" (dioceses historically led by cardinals), such as Venice, Milan, and Philadelphia, whose leaders did not align with his vision America Magazine reported that "Francis has ignored many of the cardinalatial sees, such as Milan, Venice and Philadelphia, from which cardinals have traditionally been selected, because their current archbishops... are not in tune with Francis' style or policies."
Strategic Appointments: Francis elevated previously mid-level officials who shared his pastoral priorities and vision for Church reform, including those focused on environmental concerns, immigration, and support for the marginalized AP News noted that "With Saturday's ceremony, Francis will have named 99 of the 137 cardinals who are under age 80 and thus eligible to vote in a future conclave to elect his successor. While not all are cookie-cutter proteges of the 86-year-old reigning pontiff, many share Francis' pastoral emphasis."
Global Shift: Francis deliberately reduced European dominance in the College of Cardinals (particularly Italian influence) while increasing representation from the Global South where the Church is growing most rapidly Reuters reported that "While Europe still has the largest share of cardinal electors, with about 39%, it is down from 52% in 2013 when Francis became the first Latin American pope."

Reforming Vatican Governance

In March 2022, after nine years of preparation, Francis released "Praedicate Evangelium" (Preach the Gospel), his apostolic constitution that completely reorganized the Vatican's central administration:

Missionary Focus: The constitution placed evangelization at the center of Church governance, symbolized by creating a new Dicastery for Evangelization that outranks even the historically supreme Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith America Magazine explained that "Whereas in the past 500 years the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was the number one ranking dicastery in the Roman Curia, under Francis' reform it is relegated to second place."
Lay Leadership: In a groundbreaking move, Francis formally permitted qualified lay men and women to head Vatican departments, breaking the tradition that required ordained clergy for leadership positions Catholic News Agency reported that "The constitution underlines that 'any member of the faithful' can lead one of newly constituted Vatican dicasteries or other bodies, 'given their particular competence, power of governance and function.'"
Decentralization: The reforms reduced Rome's control over local churches, giving greater autonomy to bishops' conferences and emphasizing synodality (collaborative decision-making) over top-down governance The Catholic Bishops' Conference noted that "Synodality in particular is highlighted as an ordinary way of working for the Roman Curia, a path already in place, and to be developed more and more."
Term Limits: The constitution established five-year terms for Vatican officials, requiring clergy to return to pastoral work in their home dioceses afterward, preventing the formation of career Vatican bureaucrats As the Catholic Bishops' Conference explained: "As a rule, after five years, clerical Officials and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life who have served in curial institutions and offices return to pastoral care in their diocese and communities."

The Synod on Synodality

Perhaps Francis's most significant structural innovation was the multi-year Synod on Synodality (2021-2024), described as the culmination of his papacy:

Historic Inclusion: Francis allowed women and lay people voting rights at the Synod for the first time in history, fundamentally changing who has a voice in Church deliberations Wikipedia notes that "Women were allowed to vote in the synod, which was the first time women were allowed to vote in any Catholic Synod of Bishops."
Institutionalizing Synodality: The Synod was designed to make collaborative governance and listening to all voices a permanent feature of Church life rather than a temporary experiment According to Wikipedia, "From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis expressed his desire to strengthen the collegial aspects of the Church's governance."
Key Appointments: Francis appointed Nathalie Becquart as the first female undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, giving her voting rights in a previously all-male body Wikipedia states that "On 6 February 2021, Pope Francis appointed Becquart as an undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, making her the first woman to have the right to vote in the Catholic Synod of Bishops."

Strategic Placement of Allies

Beyond structural changes, Francis positioned key allies in strategic posts:

Doctrinal Office: Francis appointed Argentine theologian Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández to head the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, placing a close collaborator in charge of the Vatican's doctrinal oversight
Key Dioceses: Throughout his papacy, Francis appointed bishops who shared his pastoral priorities to influential sees around the world, building a network of like-minded leaders who would influence their regions
Vatican Secretariat: Francis maintained strong control of the Vatican Secretariat of State, which coordinates all Vatican activities and diplomatic relations

Anticipated Impact

The combined effect of these changes has been to significantly increase the likelihood that Francis's successor will continue his vision for a more pastoral, outward-looking, and inclusive Church. While no pope can guarantee who will follow him or what policies they will implement, Francis has taken unprecedented steps to shape both the electorate that will choose his successor and the institutional structures within which that successor will govern.

Even if a more conservative pope were to follow Francis, the transformed College of Cardinals, decentralized governance structure, and institutionalized practices of synodality would make it difficult to quickly or completely reverse the direction Francis has set for the Church.

Sources

Wikipedia. "Cardinals created by Francis." 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinals_created_by_Francis
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Vatican News. "Pope Francis announces Consistory for creation of 21 new Cardinals." October 17, 2024. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-announces-consistory-for-creation-of-new-cardinals.html
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CBS News. "Pope Francis installs 21 new cardinals, many key figures in his reform agenda." December 7, 2024. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-francis-installs-new-cardinals/
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SIDEBAR: Pope Francis's Key Theological and Liturgical Pronouncements

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis issued several significant theological and liturgical documents that have shaped Catholic teaching and practice. His distinctive theological approach emphasizes pastoral care, mercy, and meeting people where they are, while still upholding Church doctrine. This sidebar explores his major pronouncements and their impact.

Major Encyclicals and Exhortations

Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith), 2013

Pope Francis's first encyclical was largely drafted by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, completing a trilogy on the theological virtues. Though issued under Francis's name, it bears the theological imprint of Benedict, encouraging Catholics to embrace their faith more fully in a secular world.

Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), 2013

This apostolic exhortation on evangelization outlined Francis's vision for the Church, calling for a missionary transformation focused on bringing the Gospel to all. He critiqued excessive focus on doctrine without pastoral compassion and criticized economic systems that exclude the poor. This document has been described as the programmatic blueprint for his papacy.

Laudato Si' (Praise Be to You), 2015

Perhaps his most influential encyclical globally, this groundbreaking document addressed environmental concerns as a moral issue. Francis developed an "integral ecology" connecting care for the environment with care for the poor and critiqued consumerism and irresponsible development. The encyclical introduced the concept of "ecological sin" and positioned the Catholic Church as a leading voice on climate change.

Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), 2016

This post-synodal exhortation on love in the family became his most controversial pronouncement. While reaffirming Church teaching on marriage, Francis emphasized pastoral discernment for complex situations. Most controversially, footnote 351 suggested that in certain cases, divorced and remarried Catholics might access the sacraments after discernment with a priest. This approach sparked significant debate among theologians and bishops, with some seeing it as a merciful pastoral application and others viewing it as a break with tradition.

Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), 2018

This apostolic exhortation focused on the universal call to holiness in today's world, emphasizing that holiness is accessible to everyone in everyday life. Francis warned against modern forms of Gnosticism and Pelagianism while outlining a practical approach to holiness focused on the Beatitudes.

Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers), 2020

Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, this encyclical on fraternity and social friendship addressed global challenges including nationalism, individualism, and throwaway culture. Francis proposed a vision of society built on dialogue, encounter, and solidarity that transcends borders and divisions.

Laudate Deum (Praise God), 2023

This follow-up document to Laudato Si' reaffirmed the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation, critiquing insufficient global action since 2015.

Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us), 2024

Francis's final encyclical highlighted the significance of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to encounter divine mercy. The document synthesized many of the themes from his previous writings, emphasizing that all his work "springs from Christ and his love for all humanity."

Liturgical Documents and Reforms

Traditionis Custodes (Guardians of Tradition), 2021

This motu proprio significantly restricted the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form), effectively reversing Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum. Francis declared that the liturgical books promulgated after Vatican II are "the unique expression of the lex orandi of the Roman Rite." This document generated considerable controversy among traditionalist Catholics and those attached to the older form of the Mass.

Desiderio Desideravi (I Have Earnestly Desired), 2022

Following up on Traditionis Custodes, this apostolic letter focused on liturgical formation, emphasizing the theological importance of the liturgy in Christian life. Francis called for greater appreciation of liturgical symbols and a rediscovery of the astonishment and wonder that should accompany liturgical celebrations. The document stressed that liturgical reform after Vatican II was essential and tied to the Council's ecclesiology.

Key Theological Themes

Throughout these documents, several consistent theological emphases emerge:

Primacy of Mercy: Francis consistently presents divine mercy as central to understanding God and the Church's mission, arguing for pastoral flexibility in applying doctrinal principles.
Integral Ecology: Connecting environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of life as interdependent realities.
Preferential Option for the Poor: Placing marginalized people at the center of the Church's concern and critiquing economic systems that exclude them.
Synodality: Promoting a more collegial, listening Church where all the faithful participate in discernment processes.
Accompaniment: Emphasizing pastoral care that walks with people in their concrete situations rather than imposing abstract rules.

Impact and Reception

Francis's theological and liturgical pronouncements have generated both enthusiastic support and determined opposition. Many Catholics have welcomed his emphasis on mercy, inclusivity, and social justice as a return to Gospel values. Others have expressed concern that his approach, particularly regarding divorced and remarried Catholics, undermines doctrinal clarity.

His emphasis on environmental care has positioned the Catholic Church as a significant voice in climate discussions, while his liturgical decisions have deeply affected Catholics with traditional sensibilities. The theological tensions that emerged during his papacy, particularly around Amoris Laetitia, reflect broader debates about how the Church should navigate contemporary challenges while remaining faithful to its tradition.

What remains clear is that Francis sought to reorient Catholic theological emphasis toward pastoral encounter, while maintaining that such an approach is not a rupture with tradition but a legitimate development of it. His theological legacy will likely be debated for generations to come.

Sources

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Where Peter Is. "Communion for the Divorced and Remarried: a Defense of Amoris Laetitia." August 25, 2021. https://wherepeteris.com/communion-for-the-divorced-and-remarried-a-defense-of-amoris-laetitia/
Homiletic & Pastoral Review. "Does the Text of Amoris Laetitia Allow Communion for the Divorced and Remarried?" February 12, 2019. https://www.hprweb.com/2019/02/does-the-text-of-amoris-laetitia-allow-communion-for-the-divorced-and-remarried/
EWTN. "Mercy and Law in Amoris Laetitia." https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/mercy-and-law-in-amoris-laetitia-13320
The Divine Mercy. "Amoris Laetitia: Pope Francis Shines a Light of Divine Mercy on the Family." September 5, 2019. https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/amoris-laetitia-pope-francis-shines-light-divine-mercy-family

SIDEBAR: Pope Francis's Key Teachings and Writings Made Simple

During his years as pope, Francis wrote several important documents that shaped how Catholics practice their faith today. His approach emphasized kindness, mercy, and meeting people where they are in life, while still upholding core Catholic beliefs. Here's a look at his most important writings, what they mean, and the controversies they sparked.

Major Documents and Their Messages

The Light of Faith (2013)

Pope Francis's first major document was largely written by Pope Benedict XVI before he stepped down. It encourages Catholics to embrace their faith more deeply in today's secular world.

The Joy of the Gospel (2013)

This document set the tone for Francis's papacy. He called for a Church that actively reaches out to people rather than waiting for them to come in. He emphasized that Christians should share their faith with joy and criticized economic systems that leave the poor behind. Many see this as the blueprint for his entire time as pope.

Care for Our Common Home (2015)

Perhaps his most influential writing globally, this groundbreaking document addressed environmental concerns as a moral issue. Francis connected care for the planet with care for the poor and criticized excessive consumerism. This positioned the Catholic Church as a leading voice on climate change and made environmental protection a religious duty.

Controversies: This encyclical drew sharp criticism from political conservatives, particularly in the United States. Critics argued that Francis had strayed into politics rather than faith, questioned the scientific consensus on climate change that the document endorsed, and objected to his critique of free-market economics. Some fossil fuel industry representatives and climate change skeptics dismissed the pope's environmental concerns as misguided or politically motivated.

The Joy of Love (2016)

This became his most controversial document. While upholding traditional Catholic teaching on marriage, Francis emphasized understanding and compassion for people in complex family situations. Most controversially, he suggested that in some cases, divorced and remarried Catholics might receive Communion after careful discernment with a priest.

Controversies: This sparked heated debate among Catholics, with some praising his merciful approach and others worrying it undermined Church teaching. Four cardinals formally submitted questions ("dubia") to Francis seeking clarification, and when he didn't respond directly, traditionalist critics saw this as confirmation that he was breaking with Church doctrine. Some theologians and priests issued a "formal correction" of the pope, a measure not used since the 14th century.

Rejoice and Be Glad (2018)

This document focused on how ordinary people can live holy lives. Francis emphasized that holiness isn't just for saints or priests but is achievable for everyone in everyday life. He offered practical guidance based on Jesus's teachings in the Beatitudes.

All Brothers (2020)

Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, this document called for global cooperation, open borders, and respect for all people regardless of background. Francis promoted the idea that we're all one human family and should act accordingly.

Controversies: Francis's strong criticisms of capitalism, nationalism, and border policies drew accusations of promoting socialism. His statement that private property is a "secondary natural right" to human dignity sparked particular backlash. Conservative critics also objected to the document's apparent endorsement of religious pluralism. Even the title caused controversy, with some arguing that "Brothers All" was not gender-inclusive enough, though the Vatican insisted it was meant to include everyone.

Praise God (2023)

This follow-up to his environmental document reinforced the urgent need to address climate change, expressing disappointment with slow global progress since 2015.

He Loved Us (2024)

Francis's final major document highlighted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to experience God's mercy. This writing brought together many themes from his previous teachings.

Changes to Catholic Worship

Guardians of Tradition (2021)

This document significantly restricted the use of the old Latin Mass that was used before the 1960s reforms, reversing the greater freedom granted by Pope Benedict XVI. Francis declared that the current form of the Mass is the standard for the Roman Catholic Church.

Controversies: This decision upset many traditional Catholics who preferred the older form of worship. Critics argued that Francis was being unnecessarily divisive and punitive to faithful Catholics who valued traditional liturgy. Three years after its release, many assessments concluded that rather than unifying the Church, the restrictions had deepened divisions and generated ongoing resistance.

I Have Earnestly Desired (2022)

This follow-up document explained Francis's thinking about Catholic worship. He emphasized that everyone should understand and appreciate the Mass more deeply, and defended the reforms made in the 1960s as essential to the Church's mission.

Political Controversies

Pope Francis regularly faced criticism for what some saw as overly political stances. His positions often clashed with political conservatives, particularly on:

Economic Views: Francis consistently criticized unrestricted capitalism, calling it "the devil's dung" and questioning "trickle-down" economics as a "magic theory" that doesn't work. He rejected the concept of an absolute right to private property, emphasizing instead the "social purpose" of resources.
Immigration Policies: His advocacy for open borders and welcoming refugees put him at odds with nationalistic politicians in Europe and the United States. Francis repeatedly emphasized the moral obligation to assist migrants, which some critics viewed as naive or politically partisan.
Climate Change: His insistence that climate change is real, human-caused, and morally urgent was dismissed by some as outside his religious authority. Some U.S. politicians and commentators suggested he should stick to spiritual matters rather than environmental policy.
Relations with World Leaders: Francis often found himself in tension with populist and nationalist leaders, from Donald Trump in the U.S. to Matteo Salvini in Italy and Viktor Orbán in Hungary, particularly over immigration policies.

Key Themes in Francis's Teaching

Throughout all his writings, several consistent themes emerge:

Mercy Comes First: Francis consistently presented God's mercy as central to faith, arguing that rules should be applied with compassion and understanding of people's circumstances.
Everything Is Connected: He taught that environmental, social, economic, and cultural issues are all related and must be addressed together.
The Poor Come First: Francis repeatedly emphasized that caring for marginalized people should be at the center of the Church's mission.
Listen to Everyone: He promoted a Church that listens to all its members, not just the hierarchy, in making decisions.
Walk With People: Rather than judging from a distance, Francis encouraged pastoral care that accompanies people in their real-life situations.

How People Responded

Francis's teachings have received mixed reactions. Many Catholics welcomed his emphasis on mercy, inclusivity, and social justice as a return to Gospel values. Others worried that his approach, particularly regarding divorced and remarried Catholics, weakened traditional teachings.

He once described conservative American Catholics as suffering from a "backwardness" that replaces faith with ideology, further straining his relationship with traditionalists.

His emphasis on environmental care positioned the Catholic Church as an important voice in climate discussions, while his decisions about the Latin Mass deeply affected Catholics with traditional preferences.

What's clear is that Francis tried to shift Catholic focus toward compassionate engagement with the modern world while maintaining that such an approach is faithful to the Church's tradition. His theological legacy will continue to be discussed for many years to come.

Based on my research, none of Pope Francis's writings were issued "ex cathedra" (from the chair of Peter), which is the formal standard for papal infallibility in Catholic teaching.

Ex Cathedra (Extraordinary Magisterium): This is the highest level of papal teaching authority. When a pope speaks ex cathedra, he is considered infallible according to Catholic doctrine. However, this has only been used twice in Church history - for the Immaculate Conception (1854) and the Assumption of Mary (1950), both before Francis's papacy. No pope since Pius XII has issued an ex cathedra statement U.S. Catholic confirms that "only two [teachings] have been proclaimed ex cathedra: Mary's Immaculate Conception and her Assumption." U.S. Catholic

Sources

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Where Peter Is. "Desiderio Desideravi: Pope Francis and the Liturgical Reform." July 11, 2022. https://wherepeteris.com/desiderio-desideravi-pope-francis-and-the-liturgical-reform/
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NPR. "Pope Francis Laments Failures Of Market Capitalism In Blueprint For Post-COVID World." October 4, 2020. https://www.npr.org/2020/10/04/920053203/pope-francis-laments-failures-of-market-capitalism-in-blueprint-for-post-covid-w
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SIDEBAR: Pope Francis and the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis

When Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013, he inherited one of the Catholic Church's most devastating and persistent crises: the decades-long scandal of sexual abuse by clergy and its systematic cover-up. From the outset, Francis pledged to confront this issue, but his approach has been marked by both notable reforms and significant controversies.

Key Reforms and Actions

Francis implemented several notable changes to address clergy abuse:

Created the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (2014), a body designed to propose initiatives for safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults
Strengthened ecclesiastical law (2019) through his motu proprio "Vos Estis Lux Mundi," which established clearer procedures for reporting abuse and holding bishops accountable for negligence
Removed the "pontifical secret" (2019) from abuse cases, allowing greater cooperation with civil authorities
Convened a global summit (February 2019) with the heads of bishops' conferences worldwide to address the abuse crisis
Published the McCarrick Report (2020), a detailed investigation into how former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick rose through Church ranks despite allegations of misconduct
Revised Church law (2021) to include more explicit provisions about the abuse of adults and punishment for bishops who covered up abuse

High-Profile Cases

The Theodore McCarrick Scandal

In 2018, revelations emerged about former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick's long history of sexual abuse of both minors and adult seminarians. Pope Francis ultimately defrocked McCarrick in 2019, making him the highest-ranking Church official to be laicized for sexual abuse.

The scandal prompted questions about who knew what and when regarding McCarrick's behavior. A 449-page Vatican report released in 2020 placed significant blame on Pope John Paul II for McCarrick's promotions despite warnings, while largely absolving Pope Francis.

The Marko Rupnik Case

More recently, the case of Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik sparked controversy. Rupnik, a renowned religious artist whose mosaics adorn the Vatican and numerous churches worldwide, was accused of psychological, spiritual, and sexual abuse of multiple women, including nuns.

The Vatican's handling of the case drew criticism when it initially declined to prosecute Rupnik due to statute of limitations concerns, despite acknowledging credible allegations. Following public outcry, Pope Francis ordered the case reopened in October 2023, lifting the statute of limitations to allow for a full investigation.

Former nun Gloria Branciani went public in February 2024, testifying that Rupnik had forced her into sexual acts and justified it as a form of spiritual devotion. Victims and advocates called for an independent investigation into the hierarchy's handling of allegations dating back to the early 1990s.

Criticisms and Challenges

Despite Francis's reforms, critics have highlighted several shortcomings in his approach:

Inconsistent application of zero-tolerance policies, with critics pointing to cases like Rupnik's where prominent figures initially seemed to receive preferential treatment
Slow implementation of reforms in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries
Resistance within the Church, which Francis himself has acknowledged
Questions about transparency in the Vatican's handling of cases, with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors highlighting this concern in its 2024 report
Limited outreach to adult victims, with advocates noting the Church has been slower to recognize and address abuse of vulnerable adults

Recent Developments

In October 2024, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its first annual report, which frankly acknowledged persistent problems in the Church's handling of abuse cases. The report noted "troubling lack of reporting structures" in some regions and a "lack of transparency" in Vatican procedures that "foments distrust among the faithful, especially the victim/survivor community."

The commission made several recommendations, including establishing a special "procurator" to represent victims, creating compensation mechanisms for survivors, and implementing more standardized safeguarding protocols globally.

Legacy and Impact

Pope Francis's legacy on clergy abuse will likely be mixed. His reforms represent significant advances compared to his predecessors, yet implementation has been uneven. As Cardinal Sean O'Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, noted in 2024, while progress has been made, "there is still much needing to be done."

What remains clear is that Francis has established more formal structures to address abuse than existed before his papacy, while acknowledging in 2022 that the path forward on clergy abuse is "irreversible" despite resistance. However, the true measure of his effectiveness will be judged by how consistently these reforms are implemented and whether they truly deliver justice to victims and prevent future abuse.

Sources

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AP News. "Pope orders Vatican to reopen case of priest accused of adult abuse but allowed to keep ministering." October 27, 2023. https://apnews.com/article/vatican-jesuit-pope-abuse-rupnik-cb8e67c99fd8ecfb8517f6282765d70e
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Christian Century. "Nuns alleging abuse by former Jesuit Marko Rupnik plead with Francis for investigation." 2023. https://www.christiancentury.org/news/nuns-alleging-abuse-former-jesuit-marko-rupnik-plead-francis-investigation
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SIDEBAR: Pope Francis, China, and the Catholic Church's Divided Path

For decades, relations between the Holy See and China were marked by mistrust and conflict, leaving Chinese Catholics caught between loyalty to Rome and the demands of Beijing. Pope Francis's papacy has taken a controversial new approach to this complex relationship, attempting a diplomatic breakthrough while facing criticism for potentially compromising the Church's independence.

The Historical Division

Since the Communist Party took power in China in 1949, the Catholic Church in mainland China has been divided into two branches:

The "Underground" Church: Loyal to Rome and the Pope, but unrecognized and often persecuted by Chinese authorities
The Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPCA): A government-controlled organization that requires bishops to pledge loyalty to the Communist Party rather than the Pope

This division created a painful dilemma for Chinese Catholics, with those in the underground Church facing surveillance, harassment, imprisonment, and even torture for their loyalty to Rome. Meanwhile, the Vatican did not recognize bishops appointed by the Patriotic Association, considering them illicitly ordained.

The Controversial 2018 Agreement

In September 2018, Pope Francis approved a secretive provisional agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government on the appointment of bishops. The exact text remains unpublished, but its key provisions reportedly include:

The Chinese government recommends bishop candidates for the Pope's approval
The Pope retains veto power over nominees but is expected to ratify Beijing's choices
The Vatican recognized seven previously illegitimate bishops appointed by the Chinese government
Several underground bishops were asked to step aside for government-backed replacements

Reuters reported that "the deal was a bid to ease a longstanding divide across mainland China between an underground flock loyal to the pope and a state-backed official church." Pope Francis has defended the agreement as a pragmatic step, comparing his approach to the Vatican's Cold War "Ostpolitik" policy of dialogue with communist Eastern European regimes.

Renewals and Extensions

Despite criticism, the Vatican has repeatedly renewed the agreement:

October 2020: First two-year renewal
October 2022: Second two-year renewal
October 2024: Extended for four years (until 2028)

The latest extension came "days after a report from the Hudson Institute detailed how seven Catholic bishops in China have been detained without due process, while other bishops have experienced intense pressure, surveillance, and police investigations since the Sino-Vatican agreement was initially signed six years ago."

Cardinal Zen: The Leading Critic

Among the most vocal critics of the Vatican's China policy is Cardinal Joseph Zen, the 92-year-old former Bishop of Hong Kong and a towering figure for Chinese Catholics. Cardinal Zen has repeatedly warned that the agreement betrays underground Catholics who suffered for their loyalty to Rome.

In a blog post, Zen wrote that "during the last 20 years, because of the wrong policy of the Holy See in dealing with the Church in China... the underground community was more and more like abandoned, considered inconvenient, almost as an obstacle to unity."

Zen has been particularly critical of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, claiming that Parolin "manipulates the pope" on China policy and calling the Vatican's approach "immoral" and "against the Catholic conscience."

In May 2022, Cardinal Zen was arrested by Hong Kong authorities under the national security law. Though released on bail, his treatment raised alarm about both religious freedom in Hong Kong and the Vatican's muted response to his arrest. When Pope Francis spoke publicly after Zen's arrest, he did not specifically mention the cardinal, instead making general comments about praying for the Church in China.

Persecution Despite the Agreement

Evidence suggests the situation for Catholics in mainland China has deteriorated since the 2018 agreement:

Underground bishops and priests continue to face detention and harassment
Churches have been closed or demolished
Crosses have been removed from church buildings
Religious education for minors has been banned
Chinese officials have reportedly ordered "the removal of crosses from churches and have replaced images of Christ and the Virgin Mary with images of President Xi Jinping."

Cardinal Zen told U.S. lawmakers in 2020 that "the underground Church...is doomed to disappear" as older bishops loyal to Rome die and no new bishops are appointed to replace them—meaning no new priests can be ordained.

Pope Francis's Defense

Pope Francis has consistently defended the agreement despite the criticism, arguing that:

Dialogue is preferable to confrontation, even if imperfect
The Church must take a long-term view of history
The agreement represents incremental progress

In a 2022 interview, Francis stated that "diplomacy is the art of the possible and of doing things to make the possible become a reality." He characterized the agreement as moving "slowly" but pointed out that several new bishops had been appointed with both Vatican and Chinese approval.

The Pope also compared his China policy to the Vatican's Cold War diplomacy: "Diplomacy is like that. When you face a blocked situation, you have to find the possible way, not the ideal way, out of it."

Recent Developments

The Vatican-China relationship continues to evolve:

In August 2023, the Chinese government officially recognized 95-year-old Bishop Melchior Shi Hongzhen, a former underground bishop, which the Vatican called a "positive fruit of the dialogue"
In October 2024, days after renewing the agreement for four more years, Pope Francis appointed a new auxiliary bishop for Beijing, Matthew Zhen Xuebin
Francis has appointed approximately 10 new bishops under the agreement, and a further 15 bishops whose positions were previously contested have been regularized, impacting about 25% of the Catholic Church leadership in China.

The Balance Sheet

Supporters of Pope Francis's approach point to these appointments as evidence the agreement is bearing fruit, allowing the Church to maintain a presence in China while establishing a framework for future dialogue.

Critics counter that these limited gains come at too high a price: legitimizing the Chinese government's control over the Church, abandoning faithful underground Catholics, and failing to speak out against ongoing religious persecution.

As one observer noted, "if those jailed are not released and the agreement is renewed, the renewal would be presented by the CCP as a warrant for its continued persecution of Catholics."

The Vatican's China policy represents one of the most consequential and controversial aspects of Pope Francis's papacy, raising fundamental questions about the balance between diplomatic pragmatism and prophetic witness in the face of persecution.

Sources

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Catholic News Agency. "Without mentioning Zen's arrest, Pope Francis says he is praying for the Church in China." May 22, 2022. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/251325/cardinal-zen-arrest-pope-francis-says-he-is-praying-for-the-church-in-china
Wikipedia. "Joseph Zen." 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Zen
Crux Now. "Cardinal Zen says Pope Francis being 'manipulated' on China." March 2, 2020. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-asia/2020/03/cardinal-zen-says-pope-francis-being-manipulated-on-china
Catholic Culture. "The Pope's betrayal of Cardinal Zen." 2022. https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/popes-betrayal-cardinal-zen/
First Things. "The Persecution of Cardinal Zen." November 21, 2024. https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2022/10/the-persecution-of-cardinal-zen
Catholic News Agency. "What Cardinal Zen told Pope Francis about the Church in China." January 30, 2018. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/37634/what-cardinal-zen-told-pope-francis-about-the-church-in-china
Catholic News Agency. "Cardinal Zen tells of continued Christian persecution in China." https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/7743/cardinal-zen-tells-of-continued-christian-persecution-in-china
Catholic News Agency. "Cardinal Zen: 'Parolin manipulates the pope,' and Vatican's China policy is 'immoral'." September 10, 2024. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/43933/cardinal-zen-parolin-manipulates-the-pope-and-vaticans-china-policy-is-immoral
Catholic News Agency. "Cardinal Zen to Congressmen: China wants Vatican 'surrender'." February 11, 2020. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/43544/cardinal-zen-to-congressmen-china-wants-vatican-surrender

SIDEBAR: Vatican Financial Reforms and Scandals Under Pope Francis

When Pope Francis assumed leadership of the Catholic Church in 2013, he inherited a financial system plagued by decades of scandal, corruption, and opacity. The Institute for Works of Religion (IOR), commonly known as the Vatican Bank, had long been tainted by allegations of money laundering and financial impropriety. Francis made financial reform a cornerstone of his papacy, tackling the challenge with unprecedented determination.

The Reforms

Pope Francis implemented several key reforms to improve financial transparency and accountability:

Established new oversight bodies, including appointing external auditors to review Vatican finances
Required Vatican officials to sign pledges declaring they had no assets in tax havens
Banned employees from accepting gifts worth more than $50
Updated the Vatican Bank's statutes in 2023 to enhance operational independence while maintaining ethical standards
Ordered all Vatican departments and affiliated institutions to centralize their assets and investments under IOR management
Strengthened anti-money laundering procedures, with the bank flagging more than 100 potentially suspicious transactions to financial watchdogs in 2023 alone

By 2024, these efforts were bearing fruit. The IOR reported record levels of profitability while maintaining "100% compliance with its ethical investment policy," allowing for significant charitable disbursements to Catholic projects worldwide.

The Becciu Trial

Despite Francis's reform efforts, his papacy was marked by what became known as the "trial of the century." In a historic first, Cardinal Angelo Becciu was tried and convicted by a Vatican court for embezzlement in December 2023, sentenced to five and a half years in prison.

The case centered on a botched London real estate deal that cost the Vatican tens of millions of euros in losses. Much of the €415 million the Vatican paid for the property came from Peter's Pence, charity funds earmarked for the poor. The trial involved ten defendants charged with fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and abuse of office.

Becciu, once considered a possible future pope and the third most powerful person in the Vatican, was dramatically confronted by Francis in 2020 with accusations against him. The Pope stripped him of his cardinal privileges before any finding of guilt, a controversial move that raised questions about due process.

The trial represented a watershed moment in Vatican financial accountability, with prosecutors hailing the verdict as vindication of Francis's reforms. As Alessandro Diddi, who led the prosecution, noted after critics questioned their competence: "They said all sorts of things. But in reality, the end result proved us right."

Other Financial Scandals

Becciu's case wasn't the only financial scandal during Francis's papacy:

In 2021, Angelo Caloia, former head of the Vatican Bank, was sentenced to nearly nine years in prison for money laundering and aggravated embezzlement
Former directors of the IOR were convicted of embezzlement and money laundering for selling Vatican properties and keeping part of the proceeds
The former President and treasurer of the Vatican children's hospital were charged with embezzling hospital funds to renovate the apartment of the former Vatican Secretary of State

Legacy of Reform

Despite these scandals, the IOR has undergone a remarkable transformation under Francis's leadership. From being "a byword for scandal, corruption and conspiracy theories," it has become what some observers call "the Vatican's most bankable institution."

As Jean-Baptiste de Franssu, IOR president since 2014, noted in the bank's 2023 annual report, the institution has been transformed over a decade of work. The reforms instituted by Francis have created a more transparent, compliant, and profitable financial institution that better serves the Church's mission while maintaining ethical standards.

Francis's approach to Vatican finances represented a clear break from the past and demonstrated his commitment to reform, even when it involved holding the highest Church officials accountable. Though challenges remain, his financial reforms will likely stand as one of his most significant and lasting legacies.

Sources

Rome Reports. "KEYS: Financial scandals that have marked the Vatican during Francis' pontificate." September 25, 2024. https://www.romereports.com/en/2024/09/25/keys-financial-scandals-that-have-marked-the-vatican-during-francis-pontificate/
The Pillar. "How the IOR became the Vatican's most bankable institution." June 19, 2024. https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/how-the-ior-became-the-vaticans-most
The Washington Post. "Cardinal Becciu found guilty in Vatican 'trial of the century'." December 16, 2023. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/16/vatican-trial-cardinal-becciu-corruption/
World Finance. "A history of the Vatican Bank." https://www.worldfinance.com/banking/a-history-of-corruption-in-the-vatican-bank
CNN Business. "Vatican Bank fires couple whose marriage breached new workplace ban." October 3, 2024. https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/03/business/vatican-bank-workplace-marriage-ban-scli-intl/index.html
Wikipedia. "Institute for the Works of Religion." Last modified March 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_for_the_Works_of_Religion
The Pillar. "Newlywed IOR employees fall foul of nepotism rule." September 4, 2024. https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/newlywed-ior-employees-fall-foul
Al Jazeera. "Senior cardinal convicted of embezzlement in historic Vatican fraud trial." December 16, 2023. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/16/cardinal-and-nine-others-to-receive-verdict-in-historic-vatican-fraud-trial
NPR. "A Landmark Fraud And Corruption Trial Opens At The Vatican." July 28, 2021. https://www.npr.org/2021/07/28/1021600454/a-landmark-fraud-and-corruption-trial-opens-at-the-vatican
PBS News. "Pope Francis reforms scandal-ridden Vatican Bank in hopes of making it 'boringly successful'." July 10, 2014. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/pope-francis-picks-new-leader-troubled-vatican-bank