Pope Francis died in April at the age of 88. He departs with a legacy that includes much warmth and kindness but significant controversy. Since his election in 2013, his papacy has been deeply involved in contemporary global crises. Unfortunately, it is still overshadowed by the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse perpetrated within the ranks of clergy of the Catholic Church. Meanwhile, the church continues to prepare for the election of a new pope. Catholics across the world, and especially here in the United States, are wondering how Francis’s leadership will shape the future of the Catholic faith.
Pope Francis was elected on the second day of voting, after the fourth ballot. To my surprise, he wasn’t seen as a frontrunner by most of the candidates. He soon proved to be a transformative presence. Notably, he sought to broaden the Catholic Church’s reach by appointing cardinals from diverse backgrounds around the world, signaling his commitment to inclusivity and global outreach.
One of the defining characteristics of Pope Francis’s papacy was his compassionate approach to marginalized communities. He was a tireless advocate for migrants and refugees, often standing in opposition to the church’s conservative branches. His willingness to engage with queer Catholics took that traditionalist ire to new heights, as hardliners saw in it a break from centuries of Church doctrine. Throughout his tenure, he emphasized a message of acceptance and understanding, which he believed was crucial in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
The heavy legacy of sexual abuse loomed over his leadership. Critics say that Pope Francis waited too long to recognize the breadth of the problem across the church. They agree that he underestimated the systemic aspect of it. He took significant reform initiatives to address the crisis. Yet, critics say these steps notwithstanding, none of that was sufficient to make a palpable difference.
Pope Francis faced numerous global conflicts during his papacy, including ongoing tensions in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan. He deserves our support as he seeks to deal with these politically toxic polarizing issues, migratory movements, climate change, religious freedom, and human rights. This passion animates his dealings with world leaders and parishioners around the globe.
Here and abroad, Pope Francis quickly became a polarizing figure in an equally divided American Catholic Church. Some bishops, to be sure, responded with unquestioning support for former President Donald Trump, while many others raised questions about his overt racism and xenophobia. This division highlighted the challenges ahead for the Catholic Church in America as it seeks a new leader who can foster unity and healing among its members.
As the discussions around the next conclave develop, a lot of people are asking and thinking about what kind of pope we’d like to see next. In pre-conclave meetings, some participants emphasized the importance of “being a bridge and a guide for a disorientated humanity marked by the crisis of the world order.”