Pope Francis Death: Learn About Late Pontiff’s Greatest Reforms and Controversies, From Synodality to Amoris Laetitia

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Pope Francis accomplished numerous significant milestones before his untimely passing on April 21, at the age of 84. This groundbreaking leader was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to adopt the name Francis. Furthermore, he made history as the first pope in over a century to speak at a TED Talk.

Right from the outset of his papacy, the deceased Pope was resolute about adopting new approaches. Some viewed him as the most forward-thinking Pope, while others had differing opinions. He skillfully balanced being a reformist and a traditional Pope.

Despite this, his papacy served as a beacon of Catholicism during contemporary times. Let’s delve into some of his most significant reforms and contentious issues.

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Reforms

In his personal beliefs, the late Pope preferred humility and opted to live modestly at the Vatican’s guesthouse instead of the opulent papal apartments within the Apostolic Palace. Significantly impacting the Church’s doctrines, he was known for his influence.

2015 saw Pope Francis publish the encyclical Laudato si’: On Care for Our Shared Earth. This significant religious text strengthened Catholic teachings on social responsibility by emphasizing the influence of human activities on our shared, divine creation – our cherished planet.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but echo his sentiments about our role in the climate change discourse. Beyond the technical aspects, he sheds light on how moral and spiritual shortcomings can wreak havoc on Mother Nature. His call to action is for a transformation – an “ecological conversion” that stirs the human heart, encouraging us to cherish and safeguard this precious planet we call home.

In keeping with my dedication to fostering inclusivity, I’ve made synodality a cornerstone of my papacy. This approach aligns perfectly with the Jesuit philosophy, encouraging active participation from every level within the Church. Synodality is a collaborative process that empowers each member – regardless of rank or position – to jointly discern God’s will and interpret the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Controversies

Through his unwavering commitment to fostering harmony within the Church, he gained profound admiration from the Catholic community. In his apostolic exhortation titled “The Joy of Love,” he delved into the question of whether divorced and remarried Catholics could partake in Holy Communion.

As a dedicated follower, I can’t help but express my feelings about the release of Amoris Laetitia. Although it was seen as a step forward, it ignited a wave of disagreement and dissent. Even among progressive Catholics, there was a sense of disillusionment that this document did not provide any provisions specifically for individuals identifying within the LGBTQIA+ community.

In the document Querida Amazonia, Pope Francis chose not to support the ordination of married men as priests, despite petitions from bishops. Similarly, he did not approve the ordination of women as deacons, despite a scarcity of ordained ministers.

The Pope publicly expressed concern about Germany’s advanced and contentious Synodal Way, suggesting that these contemporary beliefs might jeopardize the Church’s harmony.

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2025-04-21 18:22