Molly Fernandes
Fifteen days have passed since Pope Francis entered the heavenly realm, yet his legacy continues to occupy our thoughts. As the conclave begins in a couple of days to choose his successor, the world reflects on the transformative impact of his papacy and the path forward for the Church.
Pope Francis has been a transformative leader, advocating for social justice, environmental responsibility and a more inclusive Church. His teachings resonate across generations, calling for a renewed commitment to compassion and global solidarity. Through his encyclicals, apostolic exhortations and direct engagement with the marginalised, he has reshaped the Catholic Church’s role in addressing key global challenges.
Environmental stewardship had been central to Pope Francis’ teachings. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ underscored the urgency of climate change, criticizing consumerism and environmental exploitation. He emphasised that the poor suffer the most from ecological destruction and insisted that caring for the environment is a moral and social responsibility.
This commitment was reinforced in his 2023 apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, in which he urged world leaders to take decisive action to curb emissions and adopt sustainable energy practices. Under his leadership, the Vatican implemented eco-friendly initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to responsible environmental policies.
In Fratelli Tutti (2020), Pope Francis called for fraternity and unity in an increasingly divided world. He advocated for policies that prioritize human dignity over economic gain and challenged nations to work toward ethical governance and fair economic structures. His teachings consistently emphasise compassion over division, urging societies to build solidarity rather than walls.
His approach to governance also aimed at dismantling rigid hierarchical structures in favour of collaboration and transparency. By encouraging laypeople and women to take on leadership roles, he promoted a more participatory model of Church leadership.
Pope Francis has also addressed the moral implications of artificial intelligence and digital communication. In Antiqua et Nova, a doctrinal note issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education, he warned against misinformation, manipulation, and unethical AI practices. He called on developers and policymakers to ensure that technology serves humanity rather than controls it, reinforcing truth, justice, and dignity in digital advancements.
Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortations have shaped the Catholic Church’s approach to pastoral care and inclusion. Evangelii Gaudium (2013) encouraged evangelisation rooted in joy and social outreach, particularly toward refugees, the poor, and those alienated from traditional religious structures.
In Amoris Laetitia (2016), he addressed the complexities of family life, promoting pastoral sensitivity and inclusivity, especially in cases of divorce and remarriage. His exhortation Christus Vivit (2019) reaffirmed his belief that young people are not just the Church’s future but its present, inspiring them to take leadership roles within the Church.
Pope Francis has fostered a relatable and accessible papacy through his engagement with young people and marginalized communities. His participation in World Youth Day events and informal conversations with youth have encouraged young Catholics to challenge injustice and advocate for peace.
His outreach extends to migrants, prisoners, and the poor. His first trip as Pope was to Lampedusa, where he highlighted the humanitarian crisis of refugees. He has consistently championed the cause of migrants and demonstrated that the Church must stand in solidarity with the suffering.
One of Pope Francis’ most significant contributions has been his push for greater inclusion in Church governance. He appointed more women to leadership positions in the Vatican than any predecessor, granting them voting rights in synodal meetings. While he did not change the Church’s stance on female ordination, he worked to ensure that women had a voice in decision-making.
Pope Francis’ legacy is one of compassion, inclusion, and responsibility. His writings have shaped a vision of a Church actively engaged with the world’s most pressing issues. His support for environmental protection, outreach to marginalised communities, and push for inclusive governance have transformed the Catholic Church into a more open and responsive institution. As the world reflects on his teachings, his call for justice, fraternity, and care for creation remains as relevant as ever.