Pope Francis: A legacy between reforms and challenges

Pope Francis: A legacy between reforms and challenges

this day, April 26, 2025, believing believers worldwide the late Pope Francis. A solemn requiem took place in the St. Peter church in Chains in Montabaur. Pastor Steffen Henrich and Father Edward, Rijo and Jaison were present to honor the memories of this important religious leader. Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, led the Catholic Church over twelve years and left sustainable traces, especially in the Rhein-Lahn district. Here people appreciated his ability to approach them and make personal relationships, such as Rhein-zeitung.de reported.

Franziskus was not only the first Pope from Latin America, but also the first Jesuit to take over the papal office. His election on March 13, 2013 surprised many and marked the beginning of a pontificate that was characterized by a number of significant reforms and initiatives. He fought for the rights of the poor and propagated climate protection like no other of his predecessors. The “Laudato Si '” encyclical, which he published in 2015, is particularly worth mentioning. This devoted itself to the challenges of environmental protection and called for a rethinking in society, which indicates a strong commitment to creation, as vaticannews.va

a life's work in the hands of his followers

his death shaken the community of faith and raises questions about the future papacy. Catholics in the Westerwald and Rhein-Lahn district had gathered shortly before his burial to express their grief and hopes for a successor. Pastor Armin Sturm from Lahnstein remembered the modesty and closeness of the Pope to the people. Francis was known to live in simple conditions, also as the head of the Catholic Church. Instead of in the Apostolic Palace, he often lingered in a hotel and thus set a sign of unconventional and solidarity with the believers.

The balance of his pontificate is mixed. Although he campaigned for a "church in the departure", which is actively concerned, but he remained ambivalent in many questions such as women's rights and same -sex marriage. Despite his initiative for the curia reform and stronger synodality, many in the church believed that not all problems were addressed entirely. The mixed reform balance of Francis will now be the most important topic in the upcoming conclave, which will decide on his successor, as das-wissen.de

a legacy full of challenges

Francis leaves a church that is characterized by contradictions and challenges. Despite its openness to other religions and the explanations of sibling signed by him, it remains to be clarified to what extent his heir can actually bring about the necessary changes within the Catholic Church. Michael Seewald, professor of dogmatics at the University of Münster, described Francis as "very annoying", but with a certain distance that surrounded him as head. His visionary picture of a complained, missionary and dialogue -capable church remains a challenge for his successor until further notice.

The expectations of the new Pope are high and the faith community looks forward to the next steps of the church that Francis initiated during his term.