Since his election to the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has become one of the most transformative figures in modern Catholic history. As the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold the office, his tenure has been marked by bold gestures, groundbreaking reforms, and a compassionate redefinition of global religious leadership.
Yet his papacy has not been without controversy, as his progressive vision has often clashed with traditionalists inside and outside the Church. Here’s a look at the key achievements, major debates, and enduring influence of Pope Francis.
Major Achievements of Pope Francis
Environmental Advocacy: Laudato si’
In 2015, Pope Francis published Laudato si’, an encyclical that addressed environmental degradation, climate change, and the moral duty of humanity to protect the Earth. The document was hailed by both religious and secular leaders as one of the most significant religious endorsements of ecological conservation in history.
Focus on Mercy and Inclusion
Pope Francis emphasized mercy and compassion as central themes of his pontificate. His declaration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy (2015–2016) invited Catholics worldwide to reflect on forgiveness and service. He also opened conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion, famously saying in 2013: “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”
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Reforming the Vatican’s Finances
From the early days of his papacy, Pope Francis initiated reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within the Vatican Bank (the Institute for the Works of Religion). He established new financial oversight bodies and tightened anti-money-laundering regulations, an area long plagued by scandal.
Advocating for Migrants and Refugees
Francis consistently stood at the forefront of global debates over immigration. His visits to refugee camps, including the 2016 trip to Lesbos, Greece, where he brought 12 Syrian refugees back to Rome on the papal plane, symbolized his personal commitment to the plight of displaced communities.
Interfaith Dialogue
Francis advanced Catholic-Muslim and Catholic-Jewish relations, notably co-signing the Document on Human Fraternity with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document promotes peace, tolerance, and coexistence, and is now used in both religious and academic settings around the world.
Controversies and Criticism
Handling of Sexual Abuse Cases
Pope Francis has faced strong criticism over the Catholic Church’s handling of sexual abuse scandals. While he created the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and dismissed several high-profile clerics, critics — including survivors and advocates — have argued that his actions were often too slow or lacked sufficient transparency.
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The Amazon Synod and Married Priests Debate
In 2019, the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon region opened the door to discussions about ordaining married men in remote areas due to priest shortages. While Pope Francis did not ultimately approve the recommendation, the debate fueled sharp divisions between reform-minded clergy and conservatives.
Relations With China
The Vatican’s controversial 2018 agreement with China over the appointment of bishops was seen by some as a diplomatic breakthrough and by others as a concession to authoritarian control. Critics argued the deal risked legitimizing Chinese government interference in religious affairs.
Enduring Global Influence
Pope Francis remains one of the world’s most visible and influential moral leaders. From the halls of the United Nations to the pages of climate change policy debates, his voice continues to shape public conversations on human dignity, economic justice, and environmental stewardship.
His focus on a “Church of the poor” rather than a “Church of power” has rekindled social activism within global Catholic communities, while his diplomatic efforts have strengthened Vatican relations with countries that were previously estranged from the Holy See, including Cuba and Myanmar.
In the age of growing secularism, Francis has also managed to maintain the Catholic Church’s relevance, especially among younger generations and in the Global South, where Catholic populations are expanding.
A Pope for the Modern World
While Pope Francis’s tenure has been both celebrated and critiqued, his lasting legacy is clear: he has reshaped the papacy for the 21st century by shifting the focus away from doctrine and hierarchy toward compassion, humility, and action. His leadership continues to challenge global leaders, inspire grassroots movements, and guide the Catholic Church through an era of deep transformation.
