Pope Francis transformed the Catholic Church in America with his progressive approach, shifting focus from traditional conservative issues like abortion to social justice themes such as poverty and climate change. His early 2013 comments on gay priests, 'Who am I to judge?', symbolized a broader acceptance and inclusivity. He worked to rejuvenate church leadership, emphasizing pastoral care over rigid doctrine and responding to a changing demographic, particularly among Hispanic Catholics. Pope Francis also made it easier for divorced and remarried Catholics to participate fully in church life, resonating with a broader American public during a time of growing secularization.
Months into his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis was asked about gay priests, and he responded, 'Who am I to judge?' Across the United States, Catholics and non-Catholics alike took a collective gasp.
He challenged each to shift its moral focus toward issues like poverty, immigration and war, and to confront the realities of income inequality and climate change.
He pushed church leaders to be pastors, not doctrinaires, and elevated bishops in his own mold, hoping to create lasting tonal change in the church through its leadership.
At a time of increasing secularization, the world's most visible Christian leader gave hope to many U.S. non-Catholics who saw in him a moral visionary while much of public Christianity in America took a rightward turn.
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