From LGBTQ rights to 'who am I to judge remark': The most contentious moments of Pope Francis' papacy

Pope Francis - File Photo

Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at 88, leaves behind a legacy as a transformative leader, one who advocated for the marginalized and fostered a more merciful Catholic Church, even as he maintained the Church's traditional doctrines.

Dubbed "the people's Pope", the Argentine pontiff doesn’t just leave behind a legacy marked by significant reforms, but also one with notable controversies.

His tenure was characterized by a push for a more inclusive and socially conscious church, but also by decisions that ignited fierce controversy among both progressives and conservatives.

·       LGBTQ+ Issues: Pope Francis was known for his progressive views, which often sparked debate within the Church. His support for same-sex civil unions and his famous remark, "Who am I to judge?" regarding gay priests, signalled a more inclusive approach. However, these positions drew criticism from conservative factions who felt he was straying from traditional teachings. His openness to interfaith dialogue and emphasis on social justice further highlighted the ideological divides within the Church. ​

Reports of him using a derogatory term about homosexuality within the Vatican further complicated his image on these issues, highlighting an apparent tension between his pastoral outreach and personal views.

·       Handling of sexual abuse scandals: While Pope Francis took steps to address the Church's sexual abuse crisis, including enforcing mandatory reporting and protecting whistleblowers, his actions were sometimes seen as insufficient. His initial defense of Bishop Juan Barros, accused of covering up abuse, led to public outcry and eventual apologies from the Vatican.

·       Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics: His 2016 apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia ("The Joy of Love"), opened the door for some divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion after a process of discernment. This move was hailed by progressives as a step towards greater mercy and inclusion, but triggered strong opposition from conservatives who viewed it as undermining the sanctity of marriage.

·       Financial reforms: Francis aimed to reform the Vatican's finances, promoting transparency and accountability. Despite these efforts, challenges persisted, including allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption within the Church's hierarchy.

Pope Francis's papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice. His efforts to modernize the Church and address global issues left a lasting impact, though not without controversy. As the Church prepares to elect a new leader, the debates and reforms initiated during his tenure will continue to influence its direction.​