Pope Francis: A Legacy of Praxis, Peace, and Integral Stewardship

Introduction: A Pontificate of Praxis and Presence

Elected in 2013, Pope Francis (17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) emerged as a transformative figure, significantly shaping the trajectory of the Catholic Church and influencing global discourse. His papacy is distinctly characterized by a profound emphasis on pastoral care, mercy, and a resolute vision for a “Church that is poor and is for the poor.” The foundational influences of his Jesuit background and Latin American roots are readily apparent, often manifesting in a practical, experience-driven approach to theological and social issues. This approach tends to prioritize lived experience as a starting point for theological reflection, rather than beginning solely from abstract doctrine. This orientation makes his pronouncements and actions feel deeply grounded and responsive to contemporary realities, fostering a perception of the Church as actively engaged with the world’s most pressing problems. However, this methodological emphasis can also lead to discussions regarding doctrinal consistency from those who prefer a more rigid, doctrine-first methodology.

A powerful metaphor frequently employed by Pope Francis—that he prefers a Church that is “bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy”—encapsulates a profound vision for evangelization and the Church’s role in the world.¹ This is more than a mere figure of speech; it represents a call for a “missionary impulse capable of transforming everything.”² This vision directly informs his engagement with global crises, his consistent emphasis on the marginalized, and his willingness to engage in dialogue even with those considered “inconvenient.” It suggests a Church that prioritizes active, messy engagement with the world’s suffering and injustices over institutional self-preservation or rigid doctrinal purity as its primary mode of being, positioning it as a “field hospital” for a wounded world.³ The central argument of this report is that Pope Francis’s papacy is characterized by a dynamic tension between upholding traditional Catholic doctrine and a radical commitment to social justice, interreligious dialogue, and comprehensive environmental stewardship. This tension, particularly evident in his experience-driven theological approach, defines his complex and often debated legacy, eliciting both widespread admiration and internal critique.

Championing Peace and Human Dignity

Pope Francis consistently articulates a holistic vision where peace is inextricably linked to the “defense of life” from conception to natural death. This comprehensive stance leads him to decry both abortion and the death penalty, asserting that the latter is “always inadmissible” as it “attacks the inviolability and the dignity of the person.” He has cited the example of executions in Iran as a violation of this fundamental right. This position is part of a broader commitment to safeguarding the rights of the weakest and combating a pervasive “throwaway culture” that tragically affects the sick, the disabled, and the elderly.⁴ This broad approach to the defense of life extends far beyond single issues, encompassing critical social justice concerns such as poverty, migration, and environmental degradation. It represents a unified, consistent ethical framework that underscores a holistic understanding of human dignity, where true peace is not merely the absence of war but the full flourishing and protection of every human life at all stages and in all circumstances.

The pontiff frequently highlights the urgent global need for peace, lamenting “heightened divisions and wars” and describing the current state as a “third world war fought in pieces.”⁵ He unequivocally condemns violence against civilian populations, including attacks on hospitals and vital infrastructure, which disproportionately cause suffering among the most vulnerable, such as children.⁶ Francis emphasizes that authentic peace cannot exist without religious freedom, and he has strongly condemned anti-Semitism and religious persecution affecting Christian and Jewish communities globally, advocating for the guarantee of fundamental rights and respect for human dignity in all circumstances.⁷ His social encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, serves as a foundational text for his vision of peace, proposing universal fraternity and social friendship as essential pathways to a more just world. The encyclical explicitly links peace with truth, justice, and mercy, encouraging a “proactive” movement away from revenge and towards reconciliation through dialogue. It firmly states that violence has no basis in genuine religious convictions and condemns terrorism in all its forms.⁸

Francis repeatedly stresses dialogue as the singular means to break cycles of hatred and revenge, advocating for engagement even with those considered “inconvenient” or with whom negotiation seems impossible. He calls for a renewed diplomacy founded on the fundamental values of hope, truth, freedom, justice, and forgiveness.⁹ He advocates for a “profound rethinking” of the current system of multilateral diplomacy, suggesting it needs reform to avoid procedures that disproportionately benefit some nations. He proposes a new structure based on subsidiarity, solidarity, and respect for equal sovereignty, noting that many existing multilateral institutions are no longer capable of ensuring peace or promoting development.¹⁰ This recognition that current global challenges are not isolated problems to be addressed piecemeal but are symptoms of deeper, interconnected systemic failures leads to his persistent calls for the reform of multilateral institutions and his proposal for a global fund derived from military spending. This suggests a fundamental critique of the existing world order and a vision for a more equitable, cooperative, and ethically grounded global governance structure.

Central to his approach is a “diplomacy of hope,” through which he urges the international community to actively work to ensure that human rights are not sacrificed in the name of military interests.¹¹ In a bold proposal, he suggests creating a global fund, financed by money currently destined for military expenses, to eradicate hunger and promote development in the poorest countries, expressing deep concern about the proliferation of increasingly sophisticated weapons that fuel conflicts and risk global security.¹² His assertion that politics, particularly serving the common good, is “perhaps the highest form of charity,” transforms the act of diplomacy from a secular political maneuver into a spiritual act. This implies that the Church, through the moral authority of the Pope, has a profound ethical duty to actively engage with international relations, not just to protect its institutional interests, but as a direct and tangible expression of Christian love and commitment to universal human flourishing. This elevates the role of the Holy See in global governance and conflict resolution, emphasizing moral leadership.

Key Contributions to Peace Efforts

Pope Francis has undertaken numerous specific diplomatic initiatives and peace efforts. He has consistently and urgently called for ceasefires and a just and lasting peace in both the Ukrainian and Gaza conflicts, highlighting the “very serious and ignominious” humanitarian situations in these regions.¹³ He has also stressed the critical importance of Israelis and Palestinians rebuilding bridges of trust and dialogue, expressing hope for a future where both peoples can coexist peacefully, with Jerusalem serving as a city of encounter for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.¹⁴

A significant diplomatic achievement of his papacy was the “key role” played by Pope Francis and the Vatican in the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, and the release of the imprisoned American, Alan Gross.¹⁵ Francis personally sent letters to both President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro, appealing for the resolution of “humanitarian questions of common interest.” Vatican officials subsequently brokered confidential talks between the two nations. This initiative, a long-standing goal of successive popes, gained particular momentum under the first Latin American pontiff.¹⁶ While direct mediation was ruled out, Pope Francis offered public prayers for the success of the peace talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) held in Cuba. He personally thanked Cuban President Raul Castro for hosting these negotiations, which ultimately led to a peace agreement in 2016, ending decades of conflict.¹⁷ His numerous Apostolic Journeys to diverse regions, from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to Belgium and Corsica, serve as crucial opportunities for dialogue, fostering understanding among different peoples, cultures, and religious traditions, and offering encouragement, especially to those in greatest need.¹⁸

Table 1: Key Papal Encyclicals and Exhortations on Social Issues

Navigating Tradition: Women and Sexual Diversity in the Church

Pope Francis has demonstrably increased the number of women appointed to positions of authority within the Vatican, a notable departure from his predecessors. This includes pioneering appointments such as the first female prefect of a Vatican dicastery and the first female president of the Vatican City State’s government. He actively seeks to bring more women into roles of higher responsibility within the Vatican, acknowledging that “things are changing” and “are working better than before” as a result of their contributions.¹⁹ A pivotal reform in 2022, concerning the Roman Curia’s constitution, officially separated the power of governance within the Vatican from the power conferred by holy orders. This distinction is crucial to understanding his strategy: it allows for the promotion of laypersons, including women, to significant administrative and decision-making roles that were previously exclusive to cardinals and bishops, without altering the Church’s sacramental theology of ordination.²⁰ This decoupling of administrative authority from sacramental ordination represents a deliberate institutional restructuring, enabling tangible progress for women in leadership while also imposing inherent limits on the extent of that progress, highlighting a persistent tension between institutional reform and doctrinal immutability within the Church.

Further demonstrating his commitment to broader participation, Francis opened the Synod on Synodality to women and lay people as full, voting members, constituting approximately 25% of the synod body in 2023 and 2024. This marked a significant step towards greater lay involvement in Church governance and discernment.²¹ In 2021, he formally allowed women to be officially installed as lectors and acolytes, roles they often performed informally prior. That same year, he established the official lay ministry of catechist, a role predominantly held by women, providing institutional support and recognition for their essential work in faith formation.²²

Despite these advancements in governance and lay ministries, Pope Francis remains a firm opponent of women’s ordination to the priesthood or diaconate. His rationale is that ordaining women would not resolve clericalism—which he identifies as a root cause of the sexual abuse crisis—but would instead “clericalize” women. He frequently invokes Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar’s concept of “Marian” and “Petrine” ministries, arguing that women, like Mary, are meant to serve the Church in a motherly, spiritual role, while men, like Peter, are given the duty of ordained institutional leadership. Although he has encouraged open debate on women’s ordination within synods and overseen commissions on women deacons, his stance has not shifted, and these commissions have often been perceived as inconclusive or as a means to postpone a definitive decision.²³

His Approach to Sexual Diversity

Pope Francis has adopted a notably more accommodating and pastoral tone on LGBTQ+ topics compared to his predecessors. His widely reported “Who am I to judge?” statement in July 2013 became a hallmark of his papacy, signaling a shift towards emphasizing acceptance, welcome, and accompaniment for LGBTQ+ individuals, including children. He has also openly denounced laws criminalizing homosexuality and clarified that “tendencies are not sin.”²⁴ While consistently reiterating traditional Catholic teaching that marriage is an exclusive, indissoluble union between a man and a woman, Francis has expressed support for same-sex civil unions as legal protections for same-sex couples, distinguishing civil recognition from sacramental marriage.²⁵

Under his pontificate, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith confirmed that transgender people can be baptized. Most notably, in December 2023, the document Fiducia Supplicans allowed for the blessing of same-sex couples. This document meticulously distinguishes between liturgical blessings (which are reserved for marriage) and spontaneous, non-ritualized blessings. The intention of these blessings is to acknowledge and elevate what is “true, good, and humanly valid” in their lives and relationships, and to encourage their growth in fidelity to the Gospel. It underscores that God “never turns away anyone who approaches him” and that “moral perfection” is not a prerequisite for receiving a blessing.²⁶ This “pastoral vision” prioritizes mercy, inclusion, and a direct engagement with individuals in their concrete life circumstances. While this has led to a more welcoming tone and practical innovations (such as allowing blessings for same-sex couples), it can simultaneously create doctrinal ambiguity or be perceived as inconsistent by those who prioritize strict adherence to traditional theological formulations. This inherent tension between pastoral flexibility and doctrinal clarity is a central and defining feature of his papacy.

However, Fiducia Supplicans has generated significant theological and pastoral controversy. Critics argue that it failed to provide clarity and, in some instances, exacerbated internal divisions within the Catholic communion, particularly due to differing cultural attitudes in regions like Africa, where the measure was widely rejected.²⁷ This varied reception, especially in culturally distinct and rapidly growing regions, illustrates a significant and ongoing challenge for a global institution like the Catholic Church: how universal directives are received, interpreted, and implemented in vastly diverse cultural contexts. It underscores that papal authority, while supreme, is not monolithic in its reception, and that local cultural norms and theological interpretations can significantly impact the practical application and acceptance of Vatican pronouncements. Opponents contend that the document’s attempt to distinguish between blessing a couple and blessing a union is logically, theologically, and pastorally unsound, and that it struggles to reconcile traditional doctrine with a desire to accommodate “pseudo-matrimonial” relationships.²⁸

Francis has also faced criticism for specific actions, such as his 2015 meeting with Kim Davis, a county clerk who refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses. In 2018, he drew condemnation for suggesting that gay children seek psychiatric treatment, though he later clarified that he meant parents should seek professional evaluation for “strange things” and accused media of misreporting his comments.²⁹ In a closed-door meeting in January 2024, he reiterated that LGBTQ+ associations could not be blessed, citing cultural reasons for the rejection of Fiducia Supplicans in Africa.³⁰

Table 2: Notable Appointments of Women to Vatican Leadership Roles

An Integral Vision: Philosophy and Environmental Stewardship

Pope Francis’s philosophical and theological underpinnings are deeply rooted in Jesuit spirituality, particularly the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, which immerse the practitioner in the life of Jesus to gain “an intimate knowledge of our Lord” and foster a closer following of Christ.³¹ A cornerstone of his theology is the “primacy of charity” and an unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized. He believes that God has redeemed “all of us… even the atheists,” and he points to the Last Judgment scene in the Gospel of Matthew (25:37-40) as evidence that God judges based on how individuals treat the poor, the hungry, the outcast, and the suffering. He consistently emphasizes the Beatitudes as the pathway to deep happiness and holiness for all.³²

He famously characterizes the Church as a “field hospital”—dynamic, triage-oriented, and profoundly responsive to human need. This vision leads to his preference for a “bruised, hurting and dirty” Church that is actively “out on the streets” engaging with the world’s suffering, rather than one preoccupied with self-preservation or institutional purity. This reflects a “relational ontology” where the Church is not above but walks alongside the world.³³ Francis’s approach to theology often begins with “praxis” or lived experience, moving towards theological reflection from that concrete reality. This non-foundationalist methodology contrasts with more abstract, doctrine-first approaches. He asserts that theology necessitates “getting our hands dirty” and encountering God through direct engagement with the poor and marginalized.³⁴ His concern for the poor extends to sharp critiques of unchecked capitalism and a strong emphasis on Catholic social teaching, including economic equality, the rights of migrants, and efforts to counteract global warming. His choice of the name Francis directly references St. Francis of Assisi, a figure devoted to “poverty, peace, and safeguarding creation,” embodying the Pope’s desire for “a Church that is poor and is for the poor” and his conviction that poverty is a “theological category.”³⁵

Environmental Declarations and Their Impact

Pope Francis’s environmental advocacy is most comprehensively articulated in his landmark encyclicals.

Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home (2015)

This encyclical is a groundbreaking and unprecedented appeal addressed to “every person living on this planet,” calling for an inclusive dialogue on how humanity is shaping the future of the Earth. It underscores the urgency of environmental challenges and advocates for a new path, drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Creatures” with its opening phrase, “Praise be to you, my Lord.”³⁶ The central concept of Laudato Si’ is “integral ecology,” which posits that the climate crisis is intrinsically linked to humanity’s present-day social, political, and economic problems. Francis argues that “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.” This necessitates an “integrated approach to combating poverty,” while simultaneously protecting nature and restoring dignity to the excluded.³⁷ This concept is not simply an environmental concern; it serves as the overarching framework through which Pope Francis understands and addresses all contemporary global challenges. It fundamentally argues that environmental degradation cannot be effectively addressed in isolation from poverty, social inequality, and economic injustice, and vice-versa. This perspective profoundly reshapes Catholic social teaching by presenting a deeply interconnected vision of justice, peace, and creation, thereby elevating environmentalism from a peripheral concern to a core moral and theological imperative for the Church.

The encyclical masterfully combines striking theological reflections on the sacredness of the natural world with urgent calls for radical political action. It condemns “politics concerned with immediate results” and consumerist mindsets, advocating for “a new way of thinking about human beings, life, society and our relationship with nature.” It aligns with principles of deep ecology by rejecting interpretations of Genesis that position humans as owners of the Earth, instead calling for humanity to be guardians and stewards of all life.³⁸ The impact of Laudato Si’ was significant. It spurred Catholic environmental activism globally, leading to the founding of new organizations like the Laudato Si’ Movement and prompting existing Catholic charitable organizations to expand their environmental work. There is evidence that Laudato Si’ contributed to a worldwide increase in interest in environmental issues, particularly pronounced in Catholic countries. Crucially, it played a vital role in building consensus among nations in the lead-up to the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, with Pope Francis engaging in diplomacy to ensure the accord’s passage and its inclusion of a 1.5°C global warming target.³⁹

Laudate Deum (2023)

This apostolic exhortation serves as a critical follow-up to Laudato Si’, expressing hope for global lifestyle changes and intensified grassroots activities aimed at reducing humanity’s negative environmental impact and preventing further tragic damage to the Earth. It starkly emphasizes the urgency of the climate crisis, its anthropogenic origin, and the irreversible nature of many associated catastrophes, tacitly acknowledging that his initial appeal in Laudato Si’ had largely gone unheeded.⁴⁰ Laudate Deum offers a pointed critique of the prevailing belief that technology and economic power alone can solve environmental problems. It calls for a reconsideration of power dynamics, cautioning against excessive ambition driven by profit-centric logic. The exhortation urges an immediate shift away from fossil fuels, stating that “fossil fuels still provide 80% of the world’s energy, and their use continues to increase,” and advocates for no new fossil fuel projects.⁴¹

The document strongly stresses the importance of global cooperation, advocating for multilateral agreements and effective global organizations with the authority to ensure the global common good. Francis calls for a reconfiguration of multilateralism to address existing inadequacies and delivers a “prophetic denunciation” of the insufficient efforts at UN climate talks (such as COP28), urging for “binding forms of energy transition” that are efficient, obligatory, and readily monitored.⁴² Pope Francis is consciously leveraging the moral authority and global platform of the papacy to directly influence global policy and governance, extending beyond traditional spiritual guidance. He is acting as a global conscience, holding nations and leaders accountable for their actions (or inaction) on critical issues like climate change and economic inequality. This positions the Holy See as a significant, albeit non-state, actor in international relations, actively pushing for a more just, sustainable, and ethically grounded global order.

Pope Francis’s environmental advocacy has successfully become a mainstream component of Catholic life, inspiring millions globally in prayer and action for “our common home.” His influence extends beyond the Church, impacting global policies, fostering interfaith dialogue on environmental issues, and galvanizing grassroots activism. He consistently highlights that the “cry of the earth is the cry of the poor,” necessitating holistic solutions.⁴³ This powerful phrase serves as a concise and compelling synthesis of his core philosophical and theological commitments: his preferential option for the poor, his unwavering emphasis on human dignity, and his groundbreaking environmental advocacy. It means that environmental destruction disproportionately harms the most vulnerable populations, and therefore, caring for the environment is not merely an ecological concern but a fundamental act of justice and charity towards humanity. Under his leadership, Vatican City is actively moving towards becoming entirely solar-powered, serving as a tangible example of his commitment.⁴⁴

The Enduring Legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis’s papacy stands as a testament to a Catholic Church deeply engaged with the world’s most pressing issues. His leadership has been consistently guided by principles of mercy, a holistic understanding of human dignity through “integral human development,” and an unwavering commitment to fostering peace and justice. His major contributions and the shifts he has initiated within the Catholic Church and global discourse can be synthesized as follows:

• A More Pastoral and Inclusive Church: Pope Francis has consistently fostered a Church deeply focused on mercy, accompaniment, and active outreach to the marginalized. This marks a significant shift away from a primary emphasis on strict doctrinal adherence as the sole measure of faith. His famous “Who am I to judge?” statement and the controversial Fiducia Supplicans (despite its critiques) exemplify this move towards a more welcoming and less judgmental stance, even while traditional doctrines remain formally upheld.⁴⁵
• Institutional Reform and Enhanced Women’s Roles: He has initiated tangible and significant reforms within the Vatican, most notably by separating the power of governance from holy orders. This strategic move has enabled women to assume higher administrative and decision-making roles that were previously inaccessible, and has significantly increased lay participation in synods. While these changes do not extend to sacramental ordination, they represent a concrete and visible shift in the Church’s internal power dynamics and operational structure.⁴⁶
• Global Environmental Champion: Through his landmark encyclicals, Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, Francis has elevated environmental stewardship to a central moral and theological imperative for the Catholic Church and the world. His introduction of “integral ecology” as a comprehensive framework fundamentally connects environmental degradation with social injustice. His persistent advocacy has not only spurred global Catholic environmental activism but has also exerted considerable influence on international climate policy and discourse.⁴⁷
• Active Global Peacemaker and Diplomat: Francis has consistently engaged in a “diplomacy of hope,” tirelessly advocating for dialogue, multilateralism, and human rights in conflicts across the globe. His papacy has seen concrete diplomatic successes, most notably his pivotal role in the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba. He has consistently condemned war and the death penalty, intrinsically linking the pursuit of peace with the comprehensive defense of all human life.⁴⁸
• A “Church of the Poor”: His consistent emphasis on the preferential option for the poor, his incisive critiques of unchecked capitalism, and his vision for a “bruised” Church that is actively “out on the streets” engaging with suffering have profoundly redefined the Church’s mission. He has positioned the Church as a compassionate advocate and active participant in addressing the world’s most pressing social and economic injustices.⁴⁹

Challenges and Opportunities for Lasting Influence

Pope Francis’s legacy may well be defined by an inherent paradox: a determined effort to centralize certain reforms, such as his environmental advocacy or a more pastoral tone, while simultaneously fostering a more decentralized and dialogical Church. This is exemplified by the varied reception and even rejection of Fiducia Supplicans in culturally distinct regions like Africa.⁵⁰ Furthermore, he explicitly states that the “community is more important than the priest,” suggesting a shift in emphasis within the Church’s structure.⁵¹ This dynamic creates a situation where papal directives, though authoritative, are subject to local interpretation, cultural adaptation, and even resistance, leading to varied implementation and ongoing internal debates rather than uniform adherence. This fundamentally challenges the traditional perception of a monolithic, top-down Catholic Church, ushering in an era of greater internal complexity and pluralism.

The long-term impact of his “soft power” diplomacy is another defining aspect of his legacy. His diplomatic efforts frequently involve moral appeals, letters, prayers, and fostering dialogue, as seen in the US-Cuba rapprochement, Colombian peace talks, and climate negotiations.⁵² These actions represent influence through persuasion and moral authority rather than coercion. His legacy in international relations may not be measured by traditional political victories or geopolitical shifts, but by the sustained moral pressure he has exerted and the cultivation of dialogue that he has championed. This approach, deeply rooted in his “diplomacy of hope” and the Church’s moral authority, could have a profound, albeit often subtle and long-term, impact on global discourse, promoting ethical considerations over purely pragmatic or geopolitical interests.

His papacy represents an ongoing, complex experiment in how a deeply traditional and doctrinally rooted institution can adapt to contemporary societal challenges and shifts without abandoning its core theological tenets. This delicate balancing act, particularly evident in areas like women’s roles and LGBTQ+ issues where he has pushed for significant pastoral and practical changes while often simultaneously reaffirming traditional Catholic doctrine, will likely be a source of continued debate, interpretation, and internal struggle for the Catholic Church for decades to come, shaping its future trajectory and its relationship with the modern world.⁵³

Despite these opportunities, challenges persist. His pastoral approach, particularly on sensitive issues like sexual diversity, has inevitably created significant tensions and calls for greater doctrinal clarity from more conservative factions within the Church. This has led to internal rifts and considerable pushback, especially from culturally distinct and rapidly growing regions like Africa, where his directives have been met with resistance.⁵⁴ While his reforms are significant, they are perceived as too slow or insufficient by some who advocate for more radical and immediate changes, particularly regarding women’s ordination. The commissions on women deacons, for instance, have been criticized as delaying tactics rather than genuine steps towards reform.⁵⁵ The effective and uniform implementation of his expansive vision, particularly on environmental action and social justice, relies heavily on the commitment and cooperation of local churches, political leaders, and civil society across diverse global contexts, which can vary significantly. His own Laudate Deum acknowledged that his environmental appeals had largely gone unheeded, and climate denial has even “crept into ballot boxes,” demonstrating the limits of papal influence.⁵⁶

Conclusion: A Pope for a Wounded World

In summation, Pope Francis’s papacy stands as a testament to a Catholic Church deeply engaged with the world’s most pressing issues. His leadership has been consistently guided by principles of mercy, a holistic understanding of human dignity through “integral human development,” and an unwavering commitment to fostering peace and justice. His key contributions span a wide array of critical areas: from his consistent advocacy for peace and human rights, including his groundbreaking environmental encyclicals, to his nuanced approach to women’s roles and sexual diversity within the Church, all underpinned by a unique philosophical emphasis on praxis and the marginalized.

Ultimately, Pope Francis leaves behind a complex yet profoundly transformative legacy. He has consistently challenged both the Catholic Church and the broader global community to confront suffering directly, to prioritize dialogue over division, and to embrace a collective responsibility for the care of our common home. His pontificate will be remembered for its dynamic tension between tradition and innovation, and for its persistent call for a more compassionate and just world.

Notes

1. “Theology of Pope Francis,” Wikipedia, accessed, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology_of_Pope_Francis.
2. “Pope Francis Philosophy Liberation Theology Personalism,” Wikipedia, accessed, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology_of_Pope_Francis.
3. “The Philosophy of Pope Francis,” Reddit, accessed, https://www.reddit.com/r/CatholicPhilosophy/comments/1k4rvwe/the_philosophy_of_pope_francis/.
4. Justin McLellan, “Peace Requires a ‘Defense of Life,’ Pope Tells Ambassadors,” U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, January 9, 2023, https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/peace-requires-defense-life-pope-tells-ambassadors.
5. McLellan, “Peace Requires a ‘Defense of Life’.”
6. “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope in the Face of Global Threats,” Exaudi, January 9, 2025, https://www.exaudi.org/pope-francis-calls-for-peace-dialogue-and-hope-in-the-face-of-global-threats/.
7. Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
8. “Religious Peacebuilding in Fratelli Tutti,” International Center for Law and Religion Studies, November 24, 2020, https://talkabout.iclrs.org/2020/11/24/religious-peacebuilding-in-fratelli-tutti/; “Fratelli Tutti,” U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, accessed, https://www.usccb.org/fratelli-tutti.
9. Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
10. McLellan, “Peace Requires a ‘Defense of Life'”; Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
11. Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
12. Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
13. Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
14. Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
15. “The Fall of the Second Wall: The Normalization of Relations between Cuba and the United States and the Role of Pope Francis,” ResearchGate, accessed, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320006611_The_Fall_of_the_Second_Wall_The_normalization_of_relations_between_Cuba_and_the_United_States_and_the_role_of_Pope_Francis.
16. John Hooper, “Pope Francis and the Vatican Played Key Roles in US-Cuba Thaw, Leaders Reveal,” The Guardian, December 17, 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/us-cuba-pope-franicis-key-roles.
17. “As Cuba Hosts Colombia Peace Talks, Pope Prays for Their Success,” The Catholic Sun, September 25, 2015, https://thecatholicsun.com/as-cuba-hosts-colombia-peace-talks-pope-prays-for-their-success/; “Colombian Peace Process,” Wikipedia, accessed, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombian_peace_process.
18. Exaudi, “Pope Francis Calls for Peace, Dialogue and Hope.”
19. “Pope Francis’ Legacy on Women in Church Leadership,” America Magazine, April 21, 2025, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/21/pope-francis-legacy-women-church-leadership-249956/; “Pope Says Roles for Women in the Vatican Are Changing,” Vatican News, October 24, 2024, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-says-roles-for-women-in-the-vatican-are-changing.html.
20. America Magazine, “Pope Francis’ Legacy on Women.”
21. America Magazine, “Pope Francis’ Legacy on Women.”
22. America Magazine, “Pope Francis’ Legacy on Women.”
23. America Magazine, “Pope Francis’ Legacy on Women”; “Pope Francis Reasoning Against Women’s Ordination,” America Magazine, April 21, 2025, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/21/pope-francis-legacy-women-church-leadership-249956/; “Pope Francis on ‘Marian’ and ‘Petrine’ Ministries,” America Magazine, April 21, 2025, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/21/pope-francis-legacy-women-church-leadership-249956/.
24. “Pope Francis and LGBTQ Topics,” Wikipedia, accessed, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis_and_LGBTQ_topics; “Pope Francis ‘Who Am I to Judge’ Context and Follow Up,” Wikipedia, August 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis_and_LGBTQ_topics.
25. “Pope Francis and LGBTQ Topics,” Wikipedia.
26. “Fiducia Supplicans Distinction Blessing Couples Unions Theological Basis,” Church Life Journal, accessed, https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/fiducia-supplicans-and-the-casuistry-of-blessings/; “Pope Francis and LGBTQ Topics,” Wikipedia.
27. “Fiducia Supplicans Distinction Blessing Couples Unions Theological Basis,” First Things, accessed, https://firstthings.com/fiducia-supplicans-and-doctrinal-clarity/.
28. Church Life Journal, “Fiducia Supplicans Distinction Blessing Couples Unions Theological Basis.”
29. “Pope Francis and LGBTQ Topics,” Wikipedia; “Pope Francis ‘Gay Children Psychiatric Treatment’ Context,” Wikipedia, August 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis_and_LGBTQ_topics.
30. “Pope Francis on Sexual Diversity LGBTQ+ Statements,” Exaudi, accessed, https://www.exaudi.org/pope-francis-calls-for-peace-dialogue-and-hope-in-the-face-of-global-threats/.
31. “Theology of Pope Francis,” Wikipedia, accessed, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology_of_Pope_Francis.
32. “Theology of Pope Francis,” Wikipedia; “Pope Francis Philosophy Liberation Theology Personalism,” Wikipedia, accessed, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology_of_Pope_Francis.
33. “The Philosophy of Pope Francis,” Reddit, accessed, https://www.reddit.com/r/CatholicPhilosophy/comments/1k4rvwe/the_philosophy_of_pope_francis/; “Theology of Pope Francis,” Wikipedia.
34. Reddit, “The Philosophy of Pope Francis”; “Theology of Pope Francis,” Wikipedia.
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