To hope anew: The legacy of Pope Francis

The passing of Pope Francis led to much discussion on his legacy. Perhaps the clearest evidence of this is found in the four encyclicals he wrote during his term. These reflected his vision of a more compassionate, inclusive and ecologically responsible Church. These four are Lumen Fidei (2013), Laudato Si’ (2015), Fratelli Tutti (2020) and Laudate Deum (2023). These documents offer profound insight into his priorities for the Church and his personal response to ongoing global crises.

Lumen Fidei (Light of Faith) was Pope Francis’ first encyclical, though it was largely drafted by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, before his resignation. Pope Francis completed it and added his own reflections. It discusses faith as a guiding light in human life, seeking to counter the modern tendency to separate faith from reason. He wrote: “Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey.” Faith, he emphasizes, is essential for building just societies and is not blind but open to truth.

Laudato Si’, his second encyclical, focused on environmental issues and the moral imperative of ecological responsibility. Its actual title, “Praise Be to You,” is taken from a canticle by St. Francis of Assisi. In it, Pope Francis criticizes consumerism, irresponsible development, environmental degradation and global warming. It calls for “integral ecology,” a holistic approach linking environmental, economic, social and spiritual well-being. He emphasized that the climate crisis is not just a scientific issue but a moral one. “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all… Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods,” he stated. He also warned that the earth, our common home, is being “pillaged.” Ecological conversion is essential for all, but it is the poor who suffer the most from environmental harm.

The third, Fratelli Tutti (“On Fraternity and Social Friendship”), was issued during the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on human fraternity and solidarity. Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, it was notable for building on a joint declaration Pope Francis signed with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb – a leading authority in Sunni Islam and one of the most prominent figures in the Muslim world. This stood out as a powerful gesture of interreligious unity. The encyclical condemns racism, xenophobia, political polarization and economic injustice. It calls for peace rooted in truth, justice, charity and freedom. One of his boldest statements is that nationalism must give way to global solidarity. “Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth.”

Laudate Deum (Praise God), his last encyclical, is considered by many a follow-up to Laudato Si’. It reinforces the urgency of addressing climate change and reflects his growing alarm over the global climate crisis. He warned that climate change is primarily caused by human activity and stressed that global treaties must be honored and implemented. It was a direct rebuke to fossil fuel interests that have consistently lobbied for weaker laws. “With the passage of time, I have realized our responses have not been adequate, for the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.”

Although the four encyclicals are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, they speak powerfully to everyone, regardless of faith. His vision is one of radical love, collective responsibility and enduring hope.

Among all his teachings, it was his thoughts on income inequality and economic systems that prioritize profit over people that most influenced my columns and teaching. Pope Francis highlighted the moral dimensions of economic justice. He viewed inequality not just as an economic issue, but a moral failing of modern society. He spoke of the “throwaway culture” of the rich that disregards the poor and vulnerable, and criticized systems that allow vast wealth to concentrate in the hands of a few while millions remain to suffer in poverty. He stressed that the economy must serve the people, not the other way around, and that every person is entitled to earn enough to ensure a life of human dignity.

The pope also emphasized that the needs of the poor must always come first, what Catholic social teaching calls the preferential option for the poor.

In Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel), he wrote, “Inequality is the root of social ills.” He warned that persistent inequality would lead to the breakdown of society’s moral fabric.

Pope Francis was also critical of trickle-down economics – the idea that benefits for the wealthy will eventually reach the poor through growth and investment. In the same document, he wrote, “Some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume economic growth encouraged by a free market will eventually succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power.”

One of his most radical messages was his personal call on world leaders to prioritize human dignity and ecological sustainability over GDP and market growth. He continually reminded the world that “no one can remain indifferent to the inequality that persists in the world.”

We are grateful for the gift of Pope Francis, who embodied Christ’s radical love. As we hope his successor will carry forward the same light, may his legacy guide us in advocating for a world marked by compassion, justice and a deep commitment to our environment.