Bishop Robert Barron Reflects on the Lasting Impact of Pope Francis

Bishop Robert Barron Reflects on the Lasting Impact of Pope Francis

During a gathering of cardinals before the 2013 conclave, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, then the archbishop of Buenos Aires, made a memorable speech that would eventually lead to his election as pope. In that moment, he called for a Church that actively reaches into the margins of society, both physically and existentially. He warned that a Church preoccupied with its internal conflicts would lose its effectiveness.

This address set the tone for the papacy of Pope Francis, which has been characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and outreach. By tangibly connecting with the marginalized—including the poor, migrants, and those disenfranchised from the Church—Pope Francis redefined the Church’s mission.

Cardinals Choose Diversity Over Tradition

One can observe the fruits of this philosophy in his selection of cardinals. Rather than sticking to traditional power centers, he appointed bishops from diverse and unexpected places like East Timor, Mongolia, El Salvador, and Newark, New Jersey. Such choices signified his intent to broaden the Church’s leadership and representation.

A Pope of Simplicity and Compassion

Pope Francis also embodied simplicity and humility in his actions. Shortly after being elected, he opted to return to the modest priests’ residence rather than stay in the luxurious papal apartments. His public gestures included embracing individuals with serious facial disfigurements, washing and kissing the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday, and favoring an ordinary Fiat over lavish limousines. This approach declared his aspiration for a ‘poor Church for the poor’.

The stark contrast between his papacy and the Church’s recent scandals around sexual misconduct was both refreshing and encouraging to many Catholics globally.

Stewardship of the Earth

Pope Francis emerged as a leader keenly aware of environmental issues. While some may wrongly categorize him solely as an environmentalist, his advocacy for nature stemmed from a deep theological understanding of creation as a divine gift. His encyclical, Laudato si, named after St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, called for urgent action against environmental degradation, condemning the prevalent technocratic mentality that often inflicts harm on Earth.

This encyclical critiques modernity’s treatment of the environment as merely a resource for human exploitation. Francis challenges readers to reconsider humanity’s responsibility toward nature and the broader creation narrative.

A Focus on Justice

Justice formed a central theme in Pope Francis’s teachings, particularly in his encyclical Fratelli tutti, which addressed global inequality and the moral obligation of the wealthy to assist their less fortunate neighbors. This emphasis was grounded in traditional Catholic principles articulated by St. Thomas Aquinas, who argued for the primacy of the common good over mere ownership.

Francis articulated that this principle should guide not only individuals but also nations. His calls for solidarity with migrants reflected a steadfast commitment to the plight of those seeking better lives, reinforcing this moral teaching.

The Synodality Initiative

Looking into how he wishes to be remembered, Pope Francis expressed a deep commitment to synodality, a term encompassing listening and consultation within the Church. His profound Jesuit training emphasized spiritual discernment, arming him with a unique perspective on collaboration within ecclesial structures.

Pope Francis organized two international synods gathering bishops, priests, and laypeople to engage in intensive discussions. During these assemblies, meaningful conversations across various ideological and cultural landscapes unfolded, underscoring the potential for greater inclusivity in Church governance.

Challenges and Criticisms

However, the pope’s outreach has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing it could dilute essential Catholic teachings, particularly surrounding marriage and sexuality. The documents Amoris Laetitia and Fiducia Supplicans generated significant debate, with some interpreting them as shifts away from traditional moral imperatives.

Many argued that the synodal approach risked reducing the Church’s mission to endless dialogue, diluting its evangelical witness. Detractors pointed to his inclination toward a false dichotomy, such as offering mercy at the expense of moral clarity.

A Legacy Rooted in Mercy

Ultimately, Pope Francis should be appreciated as a leader deeply rooted in his Jesuit formation, identifying closely with Jesus Christ and acting as a bearer of divine mercy. His commitment to welcoming the wounded and broken into the Church echoes throughout his tenure, a trait that may shape the Church’s future.

As discussions of his legacy continue, it remains to be seen how the next papacy will address the complex challenges and changes initiated during his time, but one aspect is clear: Pope Francis’s impact on the Catholic Church and its global outreach will be felt for generations to come.