Pope Francis's Deep Mark

Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has led the Catholic Church since his election on March 13, 2013. He is the first Pope from the Western Hemisphere, South America, and the Jesuit order.

Mercy, interreligious dialogue...

Pope Francis 's time has been marked by a focus on mercy, humility, social justice, interreligious dialogue...

Pope Francis declared 2015–2016 an extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, encouraging the Church to emphasize compassion and forgiveness. He is known for acts of humility such as washing the feet of prisoners , including women and non-Catholics, during Holy Thursday rituals.

Pope Francis in 2021. Photo: Quirinale.

In 2015, Pope Francis issued the encyclical Laudato si', which addressed environmental issues and called for global action to combat climate change. In 2023, he issued the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum. As a follow-up to Laudato si', this exhortation emphasizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and criticizes climate change denial.

Pope Francis with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania in 2017. Photo: White House.

In 2019, Pope Francis, together with Grand Imam Ahmad al-Tayyeb of Al-Azhar University (Cairo, Egypt), signed the Declaration on Human Fraternity, aiming to promote peace and coexistence among different religions.

Pope Francis has made important visits to many Muslim countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Iraq..., promoting inter-religious dialogue.

Pope Francis at a seminary in Argentina where he studied to become a priest in the 1950s. Photo: Wikipedia.

On social justice and economic issues, Pope Francis criticized capitalism and supported migrants and refugees. He condemned unbridled capitalism and economic inequality , calling for economic systems that prioritize human dignity over profit.

Pope Francis has consistently stressed the need to welcome and protect migrants, calling on nations to show compassion and solidarity.

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican . Photo: Jebulon.

Famous quotes of Pope Francis

Pope Francis has shared many profound quotes that reflect his vision of mercy, social justice, and love. Here are some of his most famous quotes.

-“A little mercy makes the world less cold and more fair”

-“We must restore hope to the young, help the old, open our hearts to the future, spread love. Let us live poor among the poor.”

-“Love is the greatest force for transforming reality because it breaks down the walls of selfishness and bridges the chasms that separate us.”

-“Love does not stand still, but serves others. Those who love are quick to serve, quick to throw themselves into the service of others.”

-“Even though we don't know what tomorrow will bring, we should not look to the future with pessimism and resignation. We choose love and love makes our hearts fervent and hopeful”

-“Kindness is not a diplomatic strategy, but a form of love that opens us up and helps us become more humble.”

-“Please stay away from gossip. Gossip kills, gossip poisons.”

-“Human rights are violated not only by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unjust economic structures that create enormous inequality”...

Meanwhile, Pope Francis has promoted a more inclusive and consultative form of Church governance, encouraging open dialogue between clergy and laity.

In 2016, he issued the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, which discussed love and family life, opening the door for divorced and remarried Catholics to participate more fully in the life of the Church.

On moral and ethical issues, Pope Francis opposes the death penalty and opposes abortion. He has declared the death penalty inadmissible in all cases and has updated the Catechism of the Catholic Church to reflect this position. He remains opposed to abortion, emphasizing the need to protect life from conception to natural death.

Memoirs of sexual abuse and corruption

In his memoir “Hope,” published in January 2025, Pope Francis shares about the challenges of his papacy, including sexual abuse in the Church and financial corruption at the Vatican.

Shortly after his election in 2013, Pope Francis met with his predecessor, Benedict XVI (who had since resigned), at his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. During the meeting, Benedict handed Pope Francis a large white box containing confidential documents.

Mr Benedict said the contents of the box involved “the most difficult and painful situations: abuses, corruption, dark dealings and wrongdoings”. He added: “I have come this far, I have taken these actions, I have eliminated those involved. Now it is your turn.”

Pope Francis chats with Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner; he holds a glass of the traditional Argentine drink mate. Photo: Wikipedia.

This move symbolizes the transfer of responsibility for addressing burning issues within the Church.

Pope Francis acknowledged that the sexual abuse crisis among priests has had a profound impact on the Church; he stressed the need for accountability and repentance.

Stamp of Pope Francis' pastoral visit to Azerbaijan on October 2, 2016. Photo: Post of Azerbaijan.

The Pope expressed his deep sorrow for the harm caused by priests who commit crimes. He said: “From the beginning of my pontificate, I have felt responsible for all the crimes committed by some priests, and there are many.”

The head of the Holy See stressed the Church’s responsibility to apologize and make amends for the terrible losses suffered by the victims. He also highlighted the measures that have been taken to combat abuse and support victims.

Pope Francis washes the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday in Paliano, Italy, 2017. Photo: Vatican News.

The memoir “Hope” also touches on the financial scandals that have tarnished the Vatican’s image. Pope Francis outlines his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in the Church’s financial institutions.

He described reforming Vatican financial management as the “most difficult task” of his pontificate, pointing to strong resistance from those with vested interests tied to old practices.

Despite facing many challenges, he affirmed that the truth is never hidden and that “darkness” is always the worst option.

Pope Francis meets with inmates and staff of the Rebibbia women's prison in Rome on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024. Photo: Vatican Media.

Throughout “Hope,” Pope Francis shares his vision of the Church’s ongoing journey of reform. He acknowledges the difficulties of confronting deeply rooted problems, but remains steadfast in his commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and compassion.

His memoirs are not only a personal reflection but also a call to action, urging the Church to continue to strive for justice and renewal despite the many difficulties it faces.

Pope Francis leaves the Sistine Chapel after being elected pope and shortly before making his first appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013 at the Vatican. Photo: L'Osservatore Romano.