Pope Francis’ Global Influence And Transformative Impact On The Church

Hands holding a closed red Bible together

Pope Francis, the innovative Catholic leader who transformed the Church through his humility and progressive reforms, has died at age 88, ending a papacy that challenged traditional Vatican approaches while expanding global Catholic outreach.

Quick Takes

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first pope from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit Order who died on April 21 at age 88.
His papacy was marked by significant reforms including a revised stance on capital punishment, increased roles for women, and a more inclusive approach to marginalized groups.
Francis established an influential environmental legacy through his “Laudato si'” encyclical that impacted global climate negotiations.
He expanded the Church’s reach by visiting previously untouched territories and appointed cardinals from 76 countries, including 25 new representations.
Despite criticism from both conservative and progressive Catholics, Francis shaped the future Church by appointing 110 of the 138 cardinals eligible to elect his successor.

A Papacy of Firsts and Reforms

Pope Francis broke numerous precedents from the moment of his election in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Jesuit order. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina to Italian immigrant parents, his background influenced his compassionate approach toward migrants and refugees. Rather than residing in the traditional Apostolic Palace, Francis chose modest Vatican guesthouse accommodations, setting the tone for a papacy that would consistently emphasize simplicity over pomp and accessibility over tradition. His governance style promoted shared decision-making between clergy and laity, a significant departure from the hierarchical approaches of his predecessors.

In 2018, Francis made a landmark revision to Church teaching by declaring capital punishment “inadmissible”—a significant shift from previous Catholic positions that had allowed for the death penalty in rare circumstances. This change aligned with his consistent message of human dignity and mercy. Francis also reformed Vatican finances and attempted to address the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, though many critics felt these efforts fell short of meaningful accountability. His reforms faced resistance from traditionalists who viewed them as departures from established doctrine.

Environmental Leadership and Global Impact

Pope Francis established himself as the most environmentally active pontiff in history through his 2015 encyclical “Laudato si’,” which framed climate change as a moral issue requiring urgent action. This groundbreaking document influenced the Paris Agreement negotiations, with world leaders acknowledging its impact on climate discussions. Francis described environmental destruction as a “structural sin” and highlighted the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and global inequality. His environmental advocacy extended beyond words to action as he convened meetings with oil company executives and engaged with climate activists.

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

The pope’s environmental legacy includes the establishment of the Laudato Si’ Movement, which mobilizes Catholics worldwide through educational initiatives and divestment campaigns focused on fossil fuels. Francis consistently linked environmental concerns with social justice, emphasizing that the poor suffer disproportionately from climate change impacts. This integration of environmental and social teaching represented a significant development in Catholic social doctrine, though some traditional Catholics viewed his climate focus as straying from core religious teachings.

Expanding Church Inclusivity and Global Reach

Pope Francis’s papacy was characterized by efforts to make the Church more inclusive toward those previously marginalized. His famous “Who am I to judge?” comment regarding homosexuality signaled a softer approach compared to his predecessor Benedict XVI, who had described homosexual orientation as “ordered towards an intrinsic moral evil.” While maintaining traditional Church teaching on marriage, Francis opened dialogue on previously forbidden topics and urged pastoral care for all. He appointed women to key Vatican positions and gave lay participants equal rights in synod discussions, though he maintained the male-only priesthood.

Francis significantly expanded the Church’s global footprint by visiting countries no previous pope had entered, including Iraq, Mongolia, Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates. He diversified Church leadership by appointing cardinals from 76 countries, including 25 nations that had never before had a cardinal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he delivered a special “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from an empty St. Peter’s Square, an iconic moment that symbolized his papacy’s blend of traditional Catholic practice with modern challenges. Francis’s death leaves a transformed Church that must now navigate between his reforms and its traditional foundations.