Five Transformative Changes Pope Francis Brought to the Catholic Church

Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. He passed away at 88 on April 21, leaving behind a profound legacy in the Catholic Church.

His journey began when he joined the Society of Jesus at the age of 21. Just before his 33rd birthday, he became a priest and later served as the auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires starting in 1992.

In 1998, he ascended to the position of Archbishop of Buenos Aires and held that title until his papal election in 2013. In 2001, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis made landmark changes that reshaped the Catholic Church’s perspective and operations. Below are five crucial ways he impacted the Catholic Church.

Pioneering Firsts in the Papacy

Pope Francis stands as the first Jesuit pope, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church. Historically, Jesuits are members of the Society of Jesus, a religious order established by St. Ignatius Loyola.

His election is notable for several historical firsts. He is the first pope from the Americas and the first to originate from the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, he became the first pope to select the regnal name ‘Francis’.

Fr. David Paternostro, a Jesuit priest, emphasized that Francis’ position represented a moment of pride for Jesuits. He expressed that, from the beginning, Pope Francis demonstrated a hallmark of Jesuit spirituality by acknowledging his humanity. By declaring, ‘I am a sinner,’ he set a tone that resonated with many around the globe.

Revitalizing Canonization Practices

Over the course of his papacy, Pope Francis canonized nearly 1,000 individuals, a historic achievement that included the canonization of a significant group known as the Martyrs of Otranto. This group comprised 813 victims of a massacre that occurred in 1480 in Italy.

Among those canonized by Pope Francis was St. Junipero Serra, a Spanish missionary who contributed to the establishment of several missions in present-day California. The canonization of Serra on September 23, 2015, marked a historic event as it was the first-ever canonization conducted on U.S. soil.

Additionally, he canonized influential figures such as Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Pope John XXIII, reflecting a commitment to recognizing modern saints who influence contemporary faith.

Revising the Church’s Stance on the Death Penalty

In a significant doctrinal update, Pope Francis revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teachings on the death penalty. On August 2, 2018, he described capital punishment as ‘inadmissible,’ reinforcing a progressive stance toward modern issues.

His declaration continued the trend established by predecessors like Pope John Paul II. Charles Camosy, a professor of bioethics, highlighted that despite strong language against capital punishment, Pope Francis deliberately avoided labeling it as intrinsically evil. Instead, he framed it as an assault on human dignity.

Leading the Church Through a Global Crisis

As the COVID-19 pandemic struck Italy, the impact was devastating. Italy was one of the first countries to enforce widespread lockdowns, prompting Pope Francis to take action. On March 27, 2020, he delivered an Urbi et Orbi blessing from a nearly empty St. Peter’s Square, reaching millions worldwide.

Dawn Eden Goldstein, a theologian based in Washington, D.C., reflected on the power of this moment. She expressed deep pride in her faith as Pope Francis delivered a message of hope during a time of profound crisis. His encouragement to embrace personal conversion during hardship resonated deeply.

Pope Francis lifted the Eucharist, offering spiritual solace at a moment when many felt isolated. Visibly limping, he offered blessings to the world, nurturing a sense of connection and intimacy with the divine.

Enhanced Global Catholic Engagement

Pope Francis’ papacy epitomized the meaning of ‘Catholic,’ which signifies ‘universal’. He visited countries and regions previously unacknowledged by previous pontiffs, expanding the Church’s global reach. His travels included historic visits to Iraq, Mongolia, Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates.

In 2015, he visited the Central African Republic, becoming the first pope to enter an active war zone. This choice exemplified his commitment to humanitarian issues and peace-building efforts.

During his time as pope, he created 163 cardinals from 75 countries, markedly increasing diversity within the College of Cardinals. This included the first cardinals from nations such as Bangladesh, Haiti, and Mongolia, showcasing his dedication to representing the global Church.

A Lasting Impact

Pope Francis leaves a legacy defined by a spirit of openness, engagement, and reform. His unique approach to the papacy has drawn both admiration and criticism, but it undeniably represents a pivotal period for the Catholic Church. His focus on social justice, inclusiveness, and a more global perspective suggests a new direction for the Church in a rapidly changing world.

In assessing his impact, it is clear that Pope Francis has shaped the Catholic Church in ways that will resonate for years to come. His commitment to revitalizing the Church’s mission and engaging with contemporary issues provides a framework for future discourse within Catholicism.