Pope Francis, who reached out to the margins of society, has died at 88
npr.orgPublished: 4/21/2025
Summary
Pope Francis is portrayed as a transformative leader steering the Catholic Church toward greater inclusivity and engagement with global issues. His focus on social justice, combating corruption, and promoting peace has redefined the Church’s modern role. From fostering interfaith dialogue to advocating for climate action and migration rights, Francis balances progressive stances with challenges from conservative leaders and internal resistance, solidifying his reputation as a visionary but controversial figure in contemporary Catholicism.