Mirror Review
April 22nd, 2025
The world felt a deep sadness with the news of Pope Francis’ death. The head of the Catholic Church passed away on Easter Monday (April 21st), at the age of 88, at his home in the Vatican, called Casa Santa Marta.
The Pope’s death marks the end of a significant papacy. A papacy that saw efforts to reform the Catholic Church and engage with global issues.
Moreover, a deeper look at Pope Francis’s twelve-year pontificate reveals a unique leader. A leader who consistently sought to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people and address modern challenges with a direct and often unexpected approach.
Here are some of the key ways Pope Francis made a difference in the Catholic Church and the world:
1. A Church for the Poor and Marginalized
Right from the start, Pope Francis said he wanted the Church to be “a poor Church for the poor”. This meant he felt strongly that the Church should care most about people who don’t have much money or are facing hard times.
He didn’t just talk about it; he showed it. He visited places like a small island in Italy called Lampedusa to help people who had left their homes. He also started special “Fridays of Mercy” in 2016, where he would go out to visit people who were in difficult situations. It was his way of saying, “We see you, and we care”.
2. Challenging Economic Systems
Pope Francis believed that making money shouldn’t be more important than caring for people. He questioned economic ideas that only helped the rich and argued for economies that benefit everyone. Furthermore, the pope also pushed for fair treatment of workers and made the Vatican Bank more open.
In a special letter he wrote called Laudato Si’, he focused on taking care of our planet, like taking care of our home. He explained how choices we make about money and business can hurt the Earth and make things unfair for people.
3. Reforms within the Vatican
Pope Francis reformed the main offices of the Church, the Roman Curia. He changed departments to focus on helping people and sharing faith. He also gave more important jobs to lay people and women, a notable change. These updates aimed to make the Church’s central work more connected and less focused on old ways.
4. Engaging with Global Issues and Diplomacy
He was a strong voice on world issues. He traveled widely, often visiting places facing hardship. He called for peace in conflicts and encouraged different religions to talk.
Pope Francis also played a role in diplomatic efforts. This included helping the United States and Cuba restart their relationship. His outspokenness on issues like climate change and migration marked a more direct political engagement than seen in previous pontificates.
5. A Focus on Mercy and Pastoral Accompaniment
A highlight of Pope Francis’s theological approach was his emphasis on mercy and pastoral accompaniment. Think of accompaniment like walking with someone side-by-side on their journey, especially when it’s tough.
This was really clear when he talked about families and marriage. In a document called Amoris Laetitia, he asked the Church to be kinder and more understanding towards Catholics whose family lives were complicated (like those who were divorced and had married again).
6. Outreach to the LGBTQ+ Community
Pope Francis signaled a different way the Church could talk about the LGBTQ+ community. His famous answer, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests, became a symbol of a more open and less harsh feeling.
While he did not change official doctrine, his approval in 2023 of offering blessings to same-sex couples in some situations was a big step pastorally. Nevertheless, this also brought strong disagreement from those with more traditional views.
7. Emphasis on Synodality
Pope Francis strongly supported “synodality”. This means a process of talking and making decisions together within the Church. It includes bishops, clergy, and people who are not clergy. He started a major Synod on Synodality.
He wanted people all over the world to share their thoughts on the Church’s future. This effort aimed to create a Church structure that involved more cooperation and participation.
8. Memorable Gestures and Moments
Beyond formal pronouncements and changes, Pope Francis’s time as Pope included many memorable actions. These showed his humility, kindness, and connection to people.
For example, he chose to live in a simple guest house instead of the main papal home. Moreover, on Holy Thursday, he washed the feet of prisoners and migrants. He also had natural and warm interactions with children and those who were sick. His willingness to connect directly with everyone he met created powerful and lasting images.
End Note
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of an era not only in the Catholic Church but in the world. As we await his funeral and mourn the passing of this most powerful spiritual leader in the world, let us think about the changes he brought, some that no other Pope had made before. His impact on the Catholic Church and the world is clear and worthy of recognition.
