Pope Francis, known for urging young people to cause a stir: "He challenged the church's traditional system"
Pope Francis' tenure has been nothing short of a game-changer, and it all began with a clear and provocative message during his visit to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day: "Make a mess." In this speech, he rallied young people to fight for their values and encouraged the elderly to speak up, sharing their wisdom.
Salvaging the Church from the grips of money-worship and inequality, Pope Francis identified the worth of the people as the beating heart of the institution. In his view, the Church must stand beyond institutions, approaching the world with an open heart and wallet.
The younger generation embraced Francis, viewing him as a refreshing change of pace. Cristhian Alvarenga, a 32-year-old Nicaraguan, described him as an ecclesiastical disruptor, and Ana Gabriel, another Nicaraguan woman, believed he was the first pope who genuinely asked for forgiveness for the Church's past transgressions.
Ten years later, the Pope's message remained as potent as ever, delivered during his visit to Lisbon. Francis imparted a heartfelt message to the young: "Do not be afraid. You are the light of our time." In a poignant display of humility and closeness, Francis even removed his rings and stroked the sick, impressing those who bore witness to the scene.
The characteristic closeness of Pope Francis was not limited to physical touch. He embraced the digital age, harnessing social media and technology to reach the masses and bring the religious conversation to the forefront of modern society. In 2020, he dove headfirst into a documentary, aptly titled "Amen, Francis responds," addressing the concerns of young and old, regardless of their beliefs.
The documentary was a watershed moment, as Francis extended his hand, no intermediary needed, to young people seeking to discuss sexuality, religion, and racism. In a candid and open exchange, the pope faced questions on topics such as transgender representation in the Catholic Church and the merits of feminism.
Aarón González, a 24-year-old interlocutor, highlighted Pope Francis' closeness and humility, while Luis Fenoll, a 24-year-old journalist, appreciated the pope's efforts to bridge the gap between church and state, bypassing security protocols whenever he could to demonstrate his devotion to the faithful.
Under Pope Francis' guidance, the Church underwent a transformation, focusing on pastoral flexibility, structural reforms, and prioritizing marginalized voices. The pontiff championed social justice and environmental advocacy, pushing for greater economic equality and climate action. He also appointed women to unprecedented roles within the Vatican, encouraging inclusivity in church governance.
Despite setbacks in addressing clergy sexual abuse, Francis prioritized mercy over doctrinal rigidity, softening the Church's stance on social issues and extending compassion to marginalized groups. However, his efforts to modernize the Church faced resistance from traditionalists, who saw his reforms as insufficiently bold or overly disruptive.
Regardless of critics' opinions, Pope Francis' impact on the Church and the world at large has been seismic. He remains a shining example of humanity, compassion, and humility, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with people of all faiths (or lack thereof).
Resources:
- The American Conservative
- The New York Times
- National Catholic Reporter
- CNN
- The papal leader, Pope Francis, imbued his successor with a powerful message during the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, asserting, "The Church must stand beyond institutions, approaching the world with an open heart and wallet."
- Upon his tenure, Pope Francis was viewed as a progressive force, addressing inequality in the Church's finance system and striving for a more inclusive leadership in the business sector, especially among the youth.
- Janeiro, not only a location in Brazil, symbolizes the beginning of a transformative era in the Church, as Pope Francis first delivered his disruptive message there during World Youth Day.
- During his visit to Lisbon, Pope Francis, while encouraging young people to be the light of the time, also maintained his commitment to fostering greater economic equality, promoting social justice as a cornerstone of his pontificate.
