POWER OF FAITH: A Deep Look into the Papacy of Pope Francis

by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis, will be remembered by history as a significant figure in the Catholic Church. Since his papacy began in March of 2013, Pope Francis was known for his focus on humility, compassion, and social justice, capturing the attention of millions globally.

Major news outlets frequently highlighted his key messages, public addresses, and global initiatives, but often put a spin on his more inclusive messages. Because of the press, at times there was a problem with many conservatives in the church due to confusion and a lack of clarity. But to truly understand the papacy of Francis, one must examine his quieter yet more impactful deeds that often escaped the public eye.

We will shed light on some of the lesser-known deeds performed by Pope Francis that deserve recognition and appreciation. We will explore some of the major themes, initiatives, and challenges of his papacy. In this article, we will take a deep look into the papacy of Pope Francis.

The election of Francis marked a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church. As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, Francis brought a fresh perspective and a new style of leadership that resonated deeply with many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His approach emphasized humility, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, while addressing the needs of a rapidly changing world, preaching patience, love and mercy. 

He grew up in a middle-class family of Italian immigrants and was educated in Jesuit schools. Joining the Society of Jesus, he was ordained a priest in 1969 and became known for his work with the poor and marginalized in Argentina. His experience during Argentina’s “Dirty War,” which was a period of state terrorism from 1976 to 1983, was the thing that shaped his understanding of human rights, social justice, and the necessity for pastoral care.

Rising through the ranks of the Church, Pope John Paul II appointed him titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, and later the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He used his platform to emphasize a pastoral approach to leadership. He would then be appointed cardinal in 2001, where he further solidified his reputation as a compassionate leader committed to addressing the social issues facing modern society.

So, upon examination it was no surprise that when he was elected pope, his background and experiences would profoundly influence his papacy.

Pope Francis quickly became known for his humble demeanor and simple lifestyle. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to peace, poverty, and the care of creation. His first act as pope was to reject the traditional papal limousine for a simple car, setting the tone for a focused and humble leadership style. He often emphasized that the Church must be a “poor Church for the poor,” advocating for a more community oriented faith.

But central to Pope Francis’s papacy, was his commitment to social justice. He has repeatedly called for action against poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. His encyclical “Laudato Si’,” in 2015, served as a pivotal document in Catholic social teaching, addressing the issues of climate change and ecological degradation where human behavior causes harm to the environment.

Francis emphasized the moral imperative to care for creation and the responsibility of wealthier nations to aid poorer countries. The pope’s outreach extended beyond mere words. He established the “Pope Francis Fund,” aimed at supporting projects that combat poverty around the globe. His efforts to elevate the plight of refugees and migrants were notable, advocating for more humane treatment and shelter for those fleeing conflict and hardship.

Pope Francis’s commitment to interfaith dialogue was another fundamental aspect of his papacy. He worked diligently to foster relationships between different faith traditions, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding.

His historic meeting in 2019 with Grand Imam Ahmad al-Tayeb, the man regarded as the preeminent Muslim religious leader in the world, brought about the co-signing of the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Human Fraternity, which exemplified a dedication to promote peace and cooperation among religions. His participation in the World Interfaith Harmony Week, while mentioned, often lacks the depth of coverage that highlights the impact these discussions have on global peace initiatives.

By fostering dialogue and understanding between religious groups, Pope Francis worked towards healing divisions that could lead to conflict. Through initiatives like “World Day of Prayer for Peace,” Pope Francis encouraged individuals, world and religious leaders to come together and work towards common goals of justice and peace. His emphasis on dialogue was in stark contrast to the present periods of division, reinforcing the idea that faith should be a source of unity rather than conflict.

Pope Francis approached the reform of the Catholic Church with a focus on transparency and accountability. One of the most pressing issues that faced the Church during his tenure was the clerical abuse crisis. Francis acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by this scandal and pledged to address it head-on.

He established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and initiated guidelines for holding bishops accountable for their handling of abuse cases. The challenge of restoring trust in the Church was significant. It would continue to be a major challenge throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis faced significant opposition from conservative factions within the Church on his progressive views on social issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, divorce, and remarriage. It sparked debate among traditionalists who resist changes to the more traditional approaches to Church doctrine. His remarks have been covered by the press as ambiguous, leading to confusion and criticism from both sides of the theological spectrum.

In 2016, the publication of the papal document “Amoris Laetitia,” addressed family life and pastoral care, generating significant discussion about the Church’s stance on divorce and remarriage. Some viewed it as a shift towards a more inclusive approach, while others felt it contradicted traditional teachings.

Despite the controversy, Francis remained steadfast in his commitment to inclusivity. He repeatedly emphasized the need for the Church to be welcoming and compassionate, seeking to transform rather than exclude. 

Of course, the global COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the Church and the world at large. Pope Francis’s response was marked by a call for solidarity, compassion, prayer and hope. He urged the faithful to support one another during times of isolation and loss, emphasizing the importance of community, even in physical distance.

The pandemic also prompted the Church to adapt to new realities, including the increased use of digital technology for worship and for community engagement. Francis encouraged the Church to embrace these innovations while remaining rooted in its mission to serve.

One of the most compelling aspects of Pope Francis’s character was his commitment to directly reach out to those who were suffering or marginalized. His personal interactions with the vulnerable were regularly overlooked. Pope Francis made several unscheduled visits to prisons, where he engaged with inmates and provided them with a sense of hope and dignity.

In 2016, he visited the Paliano Prison in Italy, where he spent time with inmates, listening to their stories and offering pastoral care. Such visits were not conducted for publicity, but rather, were genuine expressions of compassion. His ability to connect with individuals in those challenging circumstances, his belief in redemption, and the importance of second chances, was the way his compassion came through during those visits.

On numerous occasions, Pope Francis took the time to visit hospitals and healthcare centers. One notable instance occurred during his 2015 visit to the Philippines when he spent time with children battling debilitating diseases at a local hospital. This visit, though seen by press reporters, received almost no attention, yet it reflected his deep care for the sick and marginalized. His gesture of reaching out to the disabled and sick is an embodiment of his teachings on the sanctity of life and the importance of empathy.

In 2019, Pope Francis launched several initiatives aimed at assisting refugees, one of which included the establishment of a “Home for Refugees” in Rome. While major media often focus on the numbers of refugees or political discussions about immigration, few stories capture the tangible actions taken to provide shelter, support, and dignity to those struggling with displacement. Additionally, he took symbolic actions, such as washing the feet of refugees during Holy Week.

This powerful act, which brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, went unnoticed in favor of more sensational headlines. The Pope’s dedication to fostering unity and compassion among those who have faced tremendous hardships exemplified his advocacy for humanitarian efforts.

While the Pope often spoke about the importance of family and youth, his personal interactions with young people and families were not always captured in media narratives. Pope Francis initiated several programs aimed at engaging youth and empowering them within the Church.

One such initiative is the World Youth Day, which he personally attended multiple times, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and connection among the younger generation. However, the stories of individual youth who find hope and purpose through these gatherings are often left untold.

His advocacy for families, particularly those facing economic difficulties or familial crises, were evident in the various programs initiated within the Vatican. Yet, the stories of families whose lives have been transformed due to these efforts often go unnoticed in mainstream media. By focusing on the family as a fundamental building block of society, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of providing support and guidance to families in need. 

Beyond the formal engagements and events, Pope Francis was known for his personal acts of kindness, which often escaped media coverage. Pope Francis was known to write personal letters to individuals around the world, offering support and advice to those facing challenges.

One instance involved a letter to a bullied child in Italy, where he provided words of encouragement and empathy. Such personal touches remind the faithful and the world that his compassion extends beyond formal addresses and into the daily lives of individuals.

His humble approach to life was also evident in seemingly simple gestures, such as stopping to greet people in the streets or taking the time to speak candidly with staff and visitors at the Vatican. These interactions, while not always reported extensively, illustrated his grounded nature and commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

When looking more deeply into the papacy of Pope Francis, we look far beyond the spin of media outlets to find the true legacy of our pope.  In a world often focused on headlines and sensational stories, the good deeds of Pope Francis served as a reminder that true impact often occurs in the unseen, everyday actions of kindness and compassion.

By highlighting these moments, we not only honor the Pope’s legacy, but also encourage a culture of empathy and service in our communities for years to come. His loving example challenges us to find ways to reach out to those in need and to foster a spirit of understanding and love. The impact of his leadership will be felt for years to come.

His vision for a “Church of the poor and for the poor,” offers hope amid the complexities of modern faith and life.  Today we remember Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, the humble shepherd, and pray that the world embraces his mission of kindness, hope, love, mercy and compassion.

Peace my Brothers and Sisters until next week.