Pope Francis sought a more inclusive and consultative Church, initiating synods that encouraged dialogue and greater participation from laypeople, including women, sometimes opposed by more conservative elements of the Church.
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Pope Francis implemented significant reforms to increase transparency and accountability within the Vatican. He also consistently highlighted the plight of migrants and refugees. Here are five events that defined his papacy.
Preference for the poor
Publication of Evangelii Gaudium, November 2013
In his first work of guidance, The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis called for a renewed missionary spirit in the Church and emphasised the need to serve the poor and marginalised.
Action on climate change
Encyclircal Laudato Si' on the environment, June 2015
Pope Francis released Laudato Si', an encyclical addressing environmental issues and climate change, urging global action to protect "our common home".
Death penalty is out
Declaration of the Death Penalty as Inadmissible, August 2018
He revised the catechism, or doctrinal rulebook, of the Catholic Church to state that the death penalty is inadmissible in all cases, emphasising the dignity of every human life.
Interfaith dialogue
Historic meeting with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, February 2019
Pope Francis met with Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi, signing a joint declaration promoting human fraternity, interfaith dialogue, and peace.
Pope for the pandemic
Urbi et Orbi Blessing During COVID-gue19 Pandemic March 27, 2020
In a poignant moment, Pope Francis delivered a special blessing to an empty St. Peter's Square, praying for an end to the pandemic and offering hope to the world.
Pope in a conflict zone
First Papal Visit to Iraq March 2021
He became the first pope to visit Iraq, meeting with religious leaders and promoting reconciliation in a country long affected by conflict.