Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, redefined the papacy by prioritizing global issues like poverty and climate change while advocating for the marginalized within the Church. His election in 2013 marked a significant departure from his predecessors, representing a shift towards inclusivity with his statements on LGBTQ rights, divorce, and more. Despite controversy from conservatives, his leadership maintained doctrinal orthodoxy while calling for compassion and reform within the Church. His passing at 88 leaves the Catholic Church at a pivotal moment, exploring new directions for its future leadership and focus.
In the first year of his pontificate, he turned many heads by saying: "If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?"
Francis exhibited the intellectual curiosity characteristic of the Jesuit religious order to which he belonged, and emphasized a loving spirit while maintaining doctrinal orthodoxy.
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