How the Catholic Right in the United States was sparked by the progressive Pope Francis.

Pope Francis

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was his birth name. Born on December 17, 1936, in Argentina's Buenos Aires Argentine (of Italian descent) nationality The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) is a religious order. Turned into Pope on March 13, 2013 Pope Benedict XVI was the predecessor, but he resigned in a rare move.

Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, left behind a significant legacy of writings and initiatives that altered the Catholic Church's relationship with the outside world. An overview of his major works and contributions can be found here:

What makes him important?

First pope of Jesuits the first American pope First pope from outside of Europe in over 1,200 years. Francis was chosen as the name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who stood for humility and charity.

His Priorities and Key Themes:

Compassion for the disadvantaged and disadvantaged Climate change and environmental protection (Laudato Si', his well-known environmental encyclical) Peace and dialogue between religions Forgiveness and mercy (in 2016, he declared a Year of Mercy) less emphasis on formality or clerical privilege and more emphasis on a "Church for the poor"

Maneuvering Style:

Known for being less traditional than some previous popes and for being approachable and humble. resides in a modest guesthouse rather than the extravagant Apostolic Palace. He talks off the cuff a lot of the time, sometimes making waves with more open or nuanced views on things like: LGBTQ+ members of the Church Remarriage and divorce Reform for abuse of clergy.

Important Writings

Encyclicals

Encyclicals are formal letters from the Pope that address significant issues. Four of Pope Francis' works are:

Lumen Fidei (2013) is an encyclical on faith and the modern world that was co-authored with Pope Benedict XVI. A ground-breaking document on environmental justice,

Laudato Si' (2015) advocates an "integral ecology" that links environmental, social, and economic issues. It also calls for global action to combat climate change.

Fratelli Tutti (2020) promotes fraternity and social friendship as antidotes to division and inequality and addresses global solidarity.

Dilexit No. 2024 calls for a deeper relationship with God and one another, emphasizing the importance of spirituality over material things.

Scriptural Instructions the Church can learn from these documents about various aspects of living a Christian life:

Focuses on the joy of evangelization and the Church's mission in the modern world in Evangelii Gaudium (2013).

Amoris Laetitia (2016) takes a pastoral approach to complex issues like divorce and remarriage and addresses love in the family.

Gaudete et Exsultate (2018) emphasizes the call to sanctity for all and encourages holiness in everyday life.

Christus Vivit (2019): This book addresses young people's roles in the Church and the world.

Laudate Deum (2023): A follow-up to Laudato Si', reinforcing the urgency of addressing climate change.

C'est la Confiance (2023) emphasizes trust and optimism in the face of difficulties.

Books

Additionally, Pope Francis is the author of the following books: A reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic and its lessons for creating a world that is more just and compassionate is presented in Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future (2020).

Hope: The Autobiography, published in 2025, is his memoir that details his life and spiritual journey.

Doctrinal Shifts and Key Initiatives nuclear weapons and the Death Penalty:

Proposed global disarmament and declared the death penalty inadmissible under any circumstances.

Environmental advocacy:

He emphasized the Church's responsibility for environmental stewardship in Laudato Si' and subsequent writings.

Social Justice: called for a society that was more open and compassionate and addressed issues like poverty, migration, and inequality.

Church Reform: Addressed clerical abuse scandals and worked toward greater transparency and accountability within the Church.

Recent Changes (from 2023 to 2044):

Synod on Synodality:

A significant Church gathering that discusses reforms, including increased roles for laypeople and women. Concerns about one's health:

Although he continues to be active, he has had mobility issues (knee pain, using a wheelchair). Although his papacy continues to face challenges from both traditional and progressive Church factions, Pope Francis is widely regarded as a humble and reformist leader.