Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has left an indelible mark through progressive reforms, bold stances, and an inclusive vision.
The People’s Pope didnt’s just lead the Catholic Church—he redefined it for a new era. Through humility, dialogue, and bold reform, he showed that faith can still be a powerful force for justice and unity in a divided world.
Here are 20 powerful ways he transformed the Catholic Church — in pictures:
1. Honoring Mary Magdalene
Pope Francis elevated Mary Magdalene’s status by declaring a feast day for her, placing her on par with the male apostles.
2. Prioritising the poor and Marginalised
Pope Francis emphasised a “Church for the poor,” choosing to live simply in Vatican guesthouse Domus Santa Marta instead of the opulent papal apartments.
“Let us not bury the wealth of the Lord. Let us spread charity, share our bread, multiply love,” pope said during a Mass celebrated for World Day of the Poor Nov. 19 (2023) in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy.
3. Advocating for migrants and refugees
He made migrant rights a cornerstone of his papacy, clashing with political leaders like U.S. Vice President JD Vance over harsh deportation policies.
4. Highlighting prison ministry
He washed the feet of inmates — including women and Muslims — showing humility and outreach to the marginalised.
5. Critiquing unchecked capitalism
Pope Francis denounced global economic systems that exploit the poor and “idolize money over people.” He called for dignified wages, universal basic income, and ethical markets.
6. Declaring the death penalty ‘inadmissible’
He changed Church teaching to oppose the death penalty under all circumstances. He also called for the abolition of life without parole and solitary confinement.
7. Defending celibacy while keeping dialogue open
While he upheld the Church’s tradition of priestly celibacy, Pope Francis acknowledged it as a discipline — not doctrine — leaving the door open to future discussions on allowing married men into the priesthood.
8. Opening the church to women in leadership
He appointed women to senior Vatican roles and opened voting rights to women in synods.
9. Championing climate action
Through his encyclical Laudato Si’, where he called climate change a moral crisis, Pope Francis made the Church a leading moral voice for environmental protection.
10. Responding to abuse scandals
Pope Francis defrocked high-profile abusers and reformed laws to hold bishops accountable.
11. Standing with LGBTQ+ people
Pope Francis famously said, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay Catholics. He encouraged pastoral care and endorsed civil unions for same-sex couples, as well baptized transgender Catholics.
12. Connecting with people through social media
He became the most-followed religious leader on social media, using it to share messages of hope and faith.
13. Welcoming divorced and remarried Catholics
He opened pathways for divorced and remarried Catholics to receive communion, emphasising discernment and pastoral care.
14. Interfaith outreach to Muslims and Jews
Pope Francis built bridges with Islam and Judaism, visiting mosques and synagogues, and calling for fraternity among Abrahamic faiths. Furthermore, he met with Sunni and Shiite leaders, signed a fraternity pact, and visited Iraq and the UAE.
15. Expanding Sainthood beyond Europe
He canonised saints from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, broadening the Church’s global representation.
16. Leading through a pandemic
He supported COVID-19 vaccinations and insisted the poor be prioritised.
His homilies were accessible, often using everyday metaphors and self-deprecating humor.
17. Promoting peace and diplomacy
Pope Francis brokered peace talks between the US and Cuba and advocated for nonviolence in war-torn regions.
18. Being compassionate toward women who had abortions
While upholding Church teaching against abortion, Francis emphasized spiritual support for women, allowing ordinary priests to absolve them. He urged accompaniment over judgment.
19. Revising Latin mass access
Reimposing limits on the old rite, he said it was causing division.
20. Using simple language and humor
His homilies were accessible, often using everyday metaphors and self-deprecating humor.
In the video thread below, Pope Francis shares a light-hearted moment even when discussing a serious issue like the migrant challenges crisis.
