Pope Francis, known for his unexpected decisions and commitment to marginalized communities, leaves behind a profound legacy of compassion and advocacy for the displaced.
Pope Francis: A Legacy of Surprises and Compassion
Pope Francis: A Legacy of Surprises and Compassion
In memory of Pope Francis, we reflect on his unpredictable leadership and humanitarian endeavors during his papacy.
April 21, 2025, 3:49 p.m. ET
Pope Francis (1936-2025)
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, one key aspect stands out: his ability to surprise. Elected in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, and the first from the Americas, his papacy was marked by a series of unexpected decisions and outreach efforts that caught allies and critics alike off guard.
Reflecting back, I remember the conclave in 2005 when the Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was passed over for the papacy in favor of the more conservative Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI. Little did we know then that Bergoglio would later take the name Pope Francis and surprise everyone yet again by stepping into the role, eventually establishing a new tone for the modern Catholic Church.
In the years that followed, Pope Francis was committed to traveling to regions often overlooked by religious leaders. From supporting Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh to visiting war-torn Iraq, he championed humanitarian causes and consistently showcased a genuine concern for those suffering across the globe. His heartfelt meetings with afflicted communities left lasting impressions, imbuing his papacy with a human element that resonated deeply.
While he often used humor in public settings, Pope Francis possessed a governing style that was at times seen as contentious. Some viewed him as almost authoritarian within the Vatican’s delicate bureaucracy, adept at maneuvering through its complexities. Yet, he maintained an unexpected indecisiveness on certain matters, sparking debate among critics and supporters alike.
For 12 years, I witnessed Pope Francis evolving before the world's eyes—an unpredictable figure guiding a transformative era in the Catholic Church while simultaneously connecting with society's most vulnerable. His legacy, rife with compassion and surprises, will undoubtedly echo throughout the history of the Church, and his impact on the global conversation surrounding religion and social justice will remain significant for years to come.
Jason Horowitz is the Rome bureau chief for The Times, covering Italy, the Vatican, Greece, and other areas in Southern Europe.
Pope Francis (1936-2025)
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, one key aspect stands out: his ability to surprise. Elected in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, and the first from the Americas, his papacy was marked by a series of unexpected decisions and outreach efforts that caught allies and critics alike off guard.
Reflecting back, I remember the conclave in 2005 when the Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was passed over for the papacy in favor of the more conservative Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI. Little did we know then that Bergoglio would later take the name Pope Francis and surprise everyone yet again by stepping into the role, eventually establishing a new tone for the modern Catholic Church.
In the years that followed, Pope Francis was committed to traveling to regions often overlooked by religious leaders. From supporting Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh to visiting war-torn Iraq, he championed humanitarian causes and consistently showcased a genuine concern for those suffering across the globe. His heartfelt meetings with afflicted communities left lasting impressions, imbuing his papacy with a human element that resonated deeply.
While he often used humor in public settings, Pope Francis possessed a governing style that was at times seen as contentious. Some viewed him as almost authoritarian within the Vatican’s delicate bureaucracy, adept at maneuvering through its complexities. Yet, he maintained an unexpected indecisiveness on certain matters, sparking debate among critics and supporters alike.
For 12 years, I witnessed Pope Francis evolving before the world's eyes—an unpredictable figure guiding a transformative era in the Catholic Church while simultaneously connecting with society's most vulnerable. His legacy, rife with compassion and surprises, will undoubtedly echo throughout the history of the Church, and his impact on the global conversation surrounding religion and social justice will remain significant for years to come.
Jason Horowitz is the Rome bureau chief for The Times, covering Italy, the Vatican, Greece, and other areas in Southern Europe.
