Even while being the supreme head of the Catholic Church, the late Pope Francis stood out as a spiritual leader for the entire world. He was a remarkable personality who took notable stances against the control of the few in institution of the Catholic Church. However, it cannot be said that such interventions have led to a complete transformation of the Catholic Church as a whole.
Within the rigid framework of Catholic doctrine itself, Pope Francis took an extremely courageous stance in support of the human rights of transgender individuals. He rejected the position that homosexuality is a crime. In a January 2023 interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis stated that criminalizing homosexuality is ‘unjust’. While speaking with journalists, he further explained that ‘being homosexual isn’t a crime’.
It was previously unimaginable for the supreme leader of the Catholic Church to make such statements. What made it even more notable was that he provided these explanations in connection with God. He explained his comments saying ‘Persons with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them … condemning a person like this is a sin’.
Pope Francis’s decision to appoint a nun as the governor of Vatican City — the first time in history — was viewed as his challenge to the generally male-dominated nature of religions. Sister Raffaella Petrini was appointed by Pope Francis to succeed Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, who had completed 80 years and was stepping down from the role. This appointment was also seen as a bold declaration of the potential for fundamental changes within the Catholic Church.
The stark divide between the rich and the poor in our society was often subjected to the Pope’s sharp criticism. In an Apostolic Exhortation he openly stated: ‘How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality’. His statements were widely discussed across the globe.
His position that the capitalist system perpetuates inequalities and further marginalizes the poor received considerable attention. He said: ‘today we also have to say “thou shalt not” to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills.’ Pope Francis spoke about the need for an economic system that values human dignity above profit. He said, ‘the marketplace by itself cannot resolve every problem, however much we are asked to believe this dogma of neoliberal faith.’
Pope Francis’ observation that structural changes in economic systems are necessary to create a more balanced society was highly significant. His perspective on how exploitative systems devastate the lives of millions was seen as evidence of the influence of Latin American liberation theology on his thinking. However, at the same time, there remains criticism that he did not maintain enough of a connection with the liberation theology movement during his time as a cardinal in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Acts of violence against women, children, and the elderly, and the devastation caused by wars were all subjected to strong criticism by Pope Francis. His condemnation of waging wars under the pretext of fighting terrorism, while those same wars spread terror, was a direct challenge to US imperialism, their military strategies, and the Israeli occupation of Palestine and their machinery of death. He boldly condemned Israel’s war on Gaza as terrorism, in contrast to the stand of most Western political leaders.
Pope Francis adopted a very strong stance against environmental destruction. The phrase ‘our common home’, in reference to the earth, was a central theme in his encyclical titled Laudato Si’. It emphasized the interconnectedness of all people and the Earth, calling for stewardship and care for the planet. Through the encyclical he urged individuals, communities, and governments to take action to address climate change and other environmental issues. It highlighted the urgent need to preserve the planet and its biodiversity, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility.
The late Pope took a special interest in engaging in dialogue with various religions. He viewed such dialogues as fundamental to ensuring world peace. He believed that cooperation among different faiths was crucial in addressing global conflicts and promoting social harmony. His meetings with leaders from Islam, Judaism, and other faiths exemplified his commitment to building bridges between communities. His visits to UAE and Iraq and the statements issued in connection with them, were historic. He even spoke about the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru.
There is no other religious leader in modern history who has responded to his times and to the world with such intensity and courage. That is precisely why way back in December 2013 itself, Professor Prabhat Patnaik published an article titled ‘Pope Francis on Capitalism’ in People’s Democracy, the journal of the CPI(M). I had also written about Pope Francis’s admirable positions in the magazine Chintha, published in Malayalam.
In a world torn apart by unjust wars, persecution, and bloodshed, the voices of those who stand up for humanity, coexistence, and social justice is diminishing. That is why the death of Pope Francis has created a profound void. At the same time, his memory is an inspiration for all those who strive to build a world based on fraternity, equality, and justice.