Pope Francis, known for his commitment to the poor, migrants, and environmental issues, dedicated his pontificate to addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged. The Argentine pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, made a significant impact with his actions and teachings throughout his tenure.
One of his early notable acts was his visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa on July 8, 2013. This visit was a tribute to migrants who had lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea, during which he criticized the widespread indifference to their plight. His focus on social justice earned him the nickname “Pope of the Poor.” He took tangible steps to support those in need, such as inviting homeless individuals to dine at the Vatican and establishing a World Day of the Poor.
Pope Francis also addressed economic issues, condemning the negative impacts of globalization and the financial systems that disregard human dignity. He criticized the growing idolization of money and emphasized the importance of ecological responsibility through his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’.
In terms of human rights, particularly minority and women’s rights, progress during his pontificate was more limited. Although he allowed blessings for homosexual couples, religious marriages remained inaccessible to them. Women’s sexual and reproductive rights were largely unaddressed, with the Pope expressing strong opposition to abortion, which he equated to homicide during a visit to Belgium.
Despite promoting the role of women within the Vatican, they continued to be excluded from the priesthood, which has been seen by some, like Spanish MEP Lina Gálvez, as a missed opportunity for reform. The question remains whether Pope Francis was unable or unwilling to institute deeper changes within the Church regarding gender equality and women’s rights.
