A Big Heart Open to God: Notes on the Legacy of Pope Francis

Ingeborg G. Gabriel is a professor emerita at the University of Vienna.

The title of this post refers to the first interview Pope Francis gave, in August 2013, in which he stated the basic intentions of his pontificate. I happened to be in Rome when he was elected and vividly remember the moment the new pope stepped on to the balcony, greeting everyone with a warm “buona sera.” This first self-presentation, as well his chosen name, signaled an agenda that has unfolded during his 12 years in office. The decision to reside in the Guesthouse Santa Marta—at the time much commented on—was another landmark choice signaling his approach. A Pope in the cafeteria carrying a tray with his dinner? This represented a fresh, liberating style to many and a scandal to others, who feared it may tarnish the image of the papacy. Despite such criticism, a bon mot began circulating: John Paul II listened, Benedict taught, and Francis touches the heart.

(more…)

Continue Reading A Big Heart Open to God: Notes on the Legacy of Pope Francis

Francesco. Twelve Years Later

Antonio Autiero is emeritus professor of moral theology at the University of Münster (Germany).

The date of this post, 13 March 2025, takes us back 12 years ago, to that evening of 13 March 2013, when the new pontiff introduced himself to the world with the name Francesco.

An Indispensable Voice

Apprehensions about his poor health in recent weeks bring Pope Francis particularly close to the consciousness of humanity, and not only portion professing to be Catholic. The way of exercising his function as pope has made Francis an indispensable voice in narrating the history we live. It has given his message and style value, recognized by all as moral leadership for understanding and facing what he (borrowing the term from French sociologist and philosopher Edgar Morin) calls polycrisis.

(more…)

Continue Reading Francesco. Twelve Years Later

How the Papacy of the First Jesuit Pope Will Be Remembered in the Distant Future

Rev. Thomas Massaro, S.J., is Professor of Moral Theology at Fordham University in New York City.

Humankind has yet to invent a reliable crystal ball that would allow us to peer into the future with certainty. But historians do occasionally display a considerable level of confidence when they prognosticate. Specifically, these historians seem to relish the exercise of projecting the eventual legacies of contemporary leaders. Of course, one need not be a historian to engage in the parlor game of predicting how a public figure of our time will be remembered in the decades or centuries ahead.

(more…)

Continue Reading How the Papacy of the First Jesuit Pope Will Be Remembered in the Distant Future