Podcast 1051 Script: Pope Francis, the Legacy

Today, we take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Pope Francis — a spiritual leader who broke with tradition, embraced the margins, and called the global Catholic Church to walk with humility, mercy, and compassion.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the son of Italian immigrants. Before entering the priesthood, he studied chemistry and worked as a technician, grounding him in the everyday realities of working-class life. His early experiences in Argentina — during times of political unrest and economic hardship — deeply shaped his worldview and his understanding of the Church’s role in society.

Ordained a priest in 1969, Bergoglio became a prominent figure within the Society of Jesus, known more widely as the Jesuits. His leadership style stood out early on: he lived modestly, rejected luxuries, and maintained a deep connection to the poor and vulnerable. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he was often seen walking the streets, riding public transport, and ministering directly to the city’s most marginalized communities.

In 2013, after the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church — becoming the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name “Francis,” inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, the saint known for his love of peace, nature, and the poor. That choice alone signaled a new tone for the papacy — one that would be defined by simplicity, service, and reform.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized a vision of the Church as a “field hospital” — a place of healing, accompaniment, and grace. He urged Catholics to focus less on doctrine and more on people’s lived experiences. His famous line, “Who am I to judge?” in response to a question about gay priests, was emblematic of his pastoral approach — one that challenged the Church to become more inclusive and merciful.

Francis became known globally not just for what he said, but for how he lived. He chose a modest Vatican apartment over the traditional papal palace. He washed the feet of prisoners, immigrants, and women on Holy Thursday. He visited refugee camps, war zones, and remote villages. His actions spoke of a Church that walks with the suffering, rather than merely preaching to them.

His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ made headlines around the world. It was one of the first major papal documents to directly address climate change and environmental degradation, framing it as a moral and spiritual crisis. In it, Francis called on all humanity — not just Catholics — to embrace a “culture of care” for our common home, the Earth.

Francis also worked to reshape the Vatican’s internal structures. He launched efforts to reform the Roman Curia, increase transparency in Vatican finances, and hold clergy accountable for abuse. These moves were not without resistance, and throughout his papacy, he faced criticism from more conservative factions within the Church who viewed his changes as too progressive — even destabilizing. At the same time, others argued he did not go far enough in addressing systemic issues or advancing the role of women in Church leadership.

Internationally, Pope Francis promoted dialogue between faiths and nations. He became the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula and met with leaders from Islam, Judaism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. His message was consistent: build bridges, not walls; listen before judging; and seek peace through understanding.

In his later years, Pope Francis continued to travel and speak out, even as his health began to decline. Despite mobility issues and calls for retirement, he remained active, calling attention to the ongoing crises of war, poverty, and social division.

As we reflect on his legacy, Pope Francis stands out not just as a religious figure, but as a moral voice for a fractured world. His papacy challenged the Church to return to its roots — to walk with the poor, to care for creation, and to approach every human being with dignity and love.

Whether one agrees with all his decisions or not, few would dispute that Pope Francis changed the tone of the papacy and left an indelible mark on modern Catholicism — one that will be felt for generations to come.