As 2025 concludes,the Catholic Church and the world reflect on the twelve-year papacy of Pope Francis,who died April 21st at age 88 [[1]]. Succeeding Pope benedict XVI in 2013 [[2]], the first Latin American pope [[3]], was known for his focus on social justice, and a more inclusive Church. This article explores the defining moments and enduring legacy of a pontificate characterized by both tradition and groundbreaking change.
As the year draws to a close, many are reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis and the moments of human connection that defined his papacy. Throughout his time as leader of the Catholic Church, Francis consistently prioritized the marginalized and those on the periphery of society, leaving a lasting impression through his actions and words.
Pope Francis’s pastoral sensitivity could be summarized by simply stating, “Francis passed through here.” His generous approach, rooted in the Gospel and dedicated to service, left a mark wherever he went.
A Home Among the Discarded
Francis consistently focused on the world’s marginalized, a practice he began long before his papacy in Buenos Aires. As Archbishop Bergoglio, he regularly visited the “villas miseria” – shantytowns – where residents knew him by name and considered him one of their own. He understood their realities, and this understanding was evident during his November 27, 2015, visit to Kangemi, one of seven slum areas in Nairobi, Kenya. “I feel at home here, sharing this moment with brothers and sisters who have a special place in my life and in my choices, and I am not ashamed to say it,” he said.
During that visit, the Pope also condemned the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, while the majority struggle in abandonment. “These are the wounds inflicted by minorities who concentrate power and wealth, and who selfishly persist, while the growing majority is forced to take refuge in abandoned, polluted and discarded peripheries,” he stated.
The Simplicity of Gestures
Pope Francis’s pontificate will be remembered for significant documents like “Laudato Si” and “Fratelli Tutti,” which champion the defense of creation and human fraternity. However, it is the Pope’s gestures and attitudes that truly resonated with people.
From the outset, Francis brought a rapid pace to his papacy. With a determined stride and disarming naturalness, he signaled a shift in style that revealed a renewed spirit of the Gospel.
In a surprising and unprecedented move, Pope Francis descended from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on the night of his election to greet the crowd, leaning down to receive their blessing. This moment set the tone for his papacy.
“I would like to give my blessing, but first… I ask a favor: before the bishop blesses the people, I ask you to pray to the Lord that He bless me – the prayer of the people asking for the blessing of their bishop. Let us do this in silence, a prayer of yours for me,” Pope Francis said on March 13, 2013.
This act immediately included the people in his journey, bringing a sense of normalcy to the papacy and beginning to dismantle the vestiges of its regal traditions.
Among his first actions was settling an outstanding bill at the Domus Paulus VI guesthouse, where he stayed the day after his election. He also eschewed the traditional red papal shoes in favor of black, orthopedic footwear.
Perhaps most notably, he chose to reside not in the Apostolic Palace, but in the Casa Santa Marta, a decision that surprised even the most steadfast proponents of Vatican formality and institutional procedure.
The Power of Words
Pope Francis’s pontificate was also marked by powerful language, creative metaphors, and simple stories. He delivered strong pronouncements, such as calls to “energetically say no to any form of clericalism” and to “de-clericalize the Church,” alongside more humble expressions like “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry.”
His teachings often centered around the concepts of “roof, earth, and work.” Several phrases from the early days of his papacy offer insight into his guiding principles:
“When we walk without the Cross, when we build without the Cross and when we confess a Christ without Cross, we are not disciples of the Lord: we are worldly, we are bishops, priests, cardinals, pope, but not disciples of the Lord.” (Pro Ecclesia Mass, March 14, 2013).
“Do not forget the poor!’ And that word entered here: the poor, the poor. Then, immediately in relation to the poor, I thought of Francis of Assisi. He is the man who gives us this spirit of peace, the poor man… Oh, how I would like a poor Church and for the poor.” (Audience with Journalists, March 16, 2013).
“He, never tires of forgiving, but we sometimes get tired of asking for forgiveness. Let us never tire, let us never tire! He is the loving Father who always forgives, who has a heart of mercy for all of us.” (Angelus, March 17, 2013).
“Never forget that true power is service and that even the Pope, to exercise power, must enter ever more into that service which has its shining peak in the Cross.” (Solemn Inauguration Mass of the Pontificate, March 19, 2013).
“And please, do not let them rob you of hope! Do not let them steal hope! That which Jesus gives us.” (Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013).
“I ask you this: be shepherds with the smell of the sheep, shepherds in the midst of your own flock, and fishermen of men.” (Chrism Mass, March 28, 2013).
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, marking the end of an era for the Catholic Church and a period of significant global spiritual leadership.
Laudetur Iesus Christus
