Pope Francis Made Huge Impact On Modern Catholicism

Man in white coat sitting with head in hand

Argentinian-born Pope Francis left an unforgettable legacy by championing reform and unity in modern Catholicism, but how deep did his impact go?

Key Takeaways

Pope Francis focused on justice, ecology, and humanity during his papacy.
Known for his inclusive attitude, he welcomed and supported outsiders, including migrants and LGBTQ+ individuals.
He reformed the Catholic Church’s stance on the death penalty, declaring it “inadmissible.”
Efforts included addressing climate change with the groundbreaking encyclical “Laudato si’.”
He appointed women to influential Vatican roles and expanded the College of Cardinals’ representation.

A Papacy Focused on Justice and Inclusion

Pope Francis emphasized themes of justice, ecology, and the inherent dignity of every human life, irrevocably shaping the Catholic Church’s direction. During his papacy, he challenged existing policies, including those of prominent global leaders, by emphasizing compassion and inclusivity. He took a firmer stance on humanitarian issues, opposing measures like mass deportations by highlighting the equal dignity of all.

His perception was deeply influenced by his roots as a child of migrants from Argentina, leading him to champion the rights of migrants, prisoners, and the marginalized, including those with differing sexual orientations. His perspective on inclusion was most clearly voiced with the words, “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.”

Reforming Church Teachings and Governance

Under Pope Francis, pivotal reforms were realized within the Church. He broadened representation by appointing cardinals from various countries, ultimately influencing the Church’s hierarchy. His support of dialogue on sensitive topics and his “Who am I to judge?” statement opened broader conversations within the Church community. His revisions included deeming the death penalty “inadmissible,” a monumental shift in long-held Catholic doctrine.

He led efforts to remodel how financial operations were managed and how the Church addressed abuse cases. Despite remaining criticisms regarding the ordination of women, he advanced gender roles by elevating women to significant positions. Representation was made more inclusive during synodal discussions, empowering lay participants’ involvement in Church decisions.

Impact Beyond the Church: Environmental Advocacy

Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato si’” provided a religious framework for environmental protection, addressing urgent ecological challenges. He highlighted systemic crises such as climate change and biodiversity loss as connected issues of moral and ethical concern. His discussions influenced major global agreements like the Paris Agreement by bringing ethical considerations to environmental policy debates.

According to Pope Francis, “There is a need to act with urgency, compassion, and determination, since the stakes could not be higher.”

He facilitated dialogues on climate action with leaders and activists, leaving a fundamental impact on advancing interfaith and international cooperation for environmental advocacy. The establishment of the Laudato Si’ Movement underlined his commitment to mobilizing global Catholic initiatives toward sustainability and ecological awareness, cementing his reputation as a progressive figure.