Pope Francis’s Enduring Legacy: A Complex Transformation of the Catholic Church

Over 12 profoundly consequential years for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis steered it into uncharted territory and did so in ways that will resonate long into the future. The pontiff’s tenure was marked by a deliberate effort to soften the Church’s image, loosen its bureaucratic grip on power, and engage with pressing social issues of our time. Within Catholicism, he faced considerable criticism; traditionalist factions often vehemently opposed his actions, perceiving them as radical departures from established doctrine. However, Pope Francis remained a vocal pacifist and consistently criticized nations’ actions he deemed harmful to global stability. Yet, amidst the challenges, he also fostered an atmosphere of welcome, particularly towards individuals considered ‘imperfect Catholics,’ including those divorced, homosexual, or transgender – groups previously marginalized within Church teachings.

From his election in 2013, Pope Francis adopted a strikingly informal style, exemplified by choosing to live in the guesthouse adjacent to the Apostolic Palace rather than the opulent papal apartment. This symbolic gesture underscored his commitment to humility and prioritizing personal connection over ostentatious displays of power. His numerous foreign trips, extending to over 60 countries, highlighted his dedication to engaging directly with people – particularly young individuals – emphasizing a belief that the Church’s mission was rooted in everyday life. In his autobiography, *Hope*, released in January 2025, he reflected on this guiding principle, stating his initial expectation for a short papacy proved inaccurate.

The pontiff significantly shifted the tone of the Church’s engagement with social issues. He challenged previous interpretations of divorce and homosexuality, suggesting they warranted deeper understanding within the context of individual struggles. He openly condemned countries imposing criminal sanctions on LGBTQ+ individuals and advocated for divorce as sometimes a morally necessary choice in cases of domestic abuse. Notably, Pope Francis invited transgender people to the Vatican, where he kissed their hands and acknowledged them as ‘daughters of God’, an unexpected gesture that resonated deeply with advocates for inclusivity.

However, his progressive stance wasn’t universally embraced. Some reformists felt he could have pushed further on issues such as women’s ordination within the Church hierarchy. During a three-year consultation process launched in 2021, involving thousands of listening sessions globally, concerns about gender equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion were repeatedly voiced. While this process did not result in immediate policy changes, it demonstrated Pope Francis’ desire to incorporate diverse perspectives into the Church’s decision-making processes.

Despite these shifts, traditionalist views on core doctrines – such as the unchangeable nature of marriage between a man and a woman and the condemnation of homosexual acts – remained firmly in place. Pope Francis also addressed internal challenges within the Church, notably introducing stricter rules regarding financial transparency and taking decisive steps to address allegations of abuse by clergy. He publicly apologized for instances where he had supported clergy members accused of misconduct, acknowledging the profound damage caused by these actions.

Furthermore, Pope Francis intentionally reshaped the composition of the College of Cardinals – appointing a majority from outside Europe – signaling a commitment to diversifying leadership and reflecting the global reach of the Catholic Church. His posthumous influence will undoubtedly be shaped by his legacy of inclusivity, engagement with marginalized communities, and efforts towards internal reform. The ongoing process of exploring diaconal roles for women is one such example of this enduring transformation.