The Theology and Missionary Vision of Pope Francis

 
Elected on 13 March 2013, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit pontiff and the first non-European pope since Gregory III in the 8th century. His papal name—chosen in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi—reflected his desire for a humble, socially conscious Church: one that champions the poor, reaches out to the marginalized, and cares for creation.

Francis's papal motto, Miserando atque eligendo ("by having mercy and by choosing"), became a cornerstone of his theological and pastoral approach. Mercy, especially God's merciful love, was central to his vision and pastoral decisions, even when it led to friction within the Church, such as debates over Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics.

A defining trait of Francis’s papacy was his insistence on listening and synodality. He promoted dialogue at every level of Church life—emphasizing the voices of laypeople, women, and marginalized communities—while challenging entrenched clericalism. His efforts revitalized the synodal model, encouraging broader consultation and collaborative decision-making.

Francis’s concern for social justice was evident in his outspoken critiques of unregulated capitalism, his defense of migrants and refugees, and his outreach to socio-political movements in Latin America that had previously been met with suspicion or condemnation by the Vatican. Despite these progressive associations, Francis has repeatedly described his doctrinal stance as conservative.

His apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium ("The Joy of the Gospel"), released just eight months into his papacy, was widely seen as the foundational document of his pontificate. It outlined his vision for a renewed, mission-oriented Church willing to go out into the world with joy and purpose. Throughout his tenure, Francis became known for his direct, often unscripted remarks, which revealed both his pastoral spontaneity and his desire to engage the faithful on deeply human terms.

##Pope Francis and the Spirit of Vatican II
Pope Francis's leadership has often been seen as a revival of the vision championed by the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which sought to reinterpret the Catholic Church’s mission in response to the evolving challenges of the modern world. Many theologians and scholars view his papacy as a defining moment in which the full reformist intent of Vatican II finally began to be realized.

A central element of Francis’s approach was ressourcement—a return to the foundational sources of Christian faith, especially the New Testament—over the scholastic traditions that had dominated Catholic theology since Thomas Aquinas. Unlike Pope John Paul II, who emphasized continuity with Church tradition in interpreting Vatican II, Francis placed the focus on the person of Jesus, divine mercy, and service to the poor.

From the outset of his papacy—beginning with his choice to be called simply the "Bishop of Rome"—Francis signaled a move away from legalism, clericalism, and triumphalism. He appointed more cardinals from the Global South, elevated the role of Church synods, and created a global Council of Cardinal Advisers to assist in governance—steps seen as key implementations of Vatican II’s call for a more collegial and decentralized Church. One historian called this development the most important institutional change in Catholicism in a thousand years.

Francis also shifted the Church’s emphasis toward moral theology grounded in scripture and Christ’s command to love. He elevated the role of the laity in evangelization, expanded the presence of women in theological education, and promoted a respectful approach to matters of individual conscience. This included more pastoral responses to issues such as atheism, homosexuality, and access to the sacraments. These shifts reignited long-standing tensions between reform-minded Catholics and those opposed to the reforms initiated by Vatican II.

In the realm of liturgy, Francis worked to continue Vatican II’s call for more active and conscious lay participation, and his warmer reception of liberation theology was rooted in Gaudium et spes’s emphasis on interpreting the “signs of the times.” He also emphasized that "realities are more important than ideas," frequently calling for pastoral application of doctrine rooted in lived human experiences.

Francis's inclusive and compassionate leadership style resonated widely across religious and cultural divides. Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick summarized Francis’s core priorities as forming clergy and laity to walk with others, fostering dialogue, embodying solidarity, and addressing issues of social justice.

At the heart of Francis's theology is a deep commitment to the marginalized, a rejection of moralism and rigid decrees, and a deep trust in the power of beauty and joy found in Christ. His papacy has consistently encouraged the Church to live in the Spirit—joyfully, openly, and in mission to the world.

##The Missionary Church: A Call to Bold Evangelization and Reform
From the outset of his pontificate, Pope Francis has consistently called the Catholic Church to embrace a bold, outward-facing mission. He envisioned “a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything,” so that the Church’s customs, structures, and practices serve the purpose of evangelizing the modern world rather than protecting institutional self-preservation. For Francis, missionary outreach is not an isolated activity—it is the very heart of the Church’s identity. Every baptized person, he insists, is called to be a missionary disciple.

Francis has expressed deep concern that too many people today live without the hope, consolation, and meaning found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and a supportive faith community. He has criticized the Church for being too distant and locked into “rigid formulas,” failing to respond to real human needs. His emphasis on joy—captured in documents like Evangelii Gaudium and Gaudete et Exsultate—is offered as an antidote to the apathy and disillusionment that afflict much of the contemporary world. Joy, for Francis, is not mere sentiment but the fruit of doing good and living out the Gospel in service to others.

This missionary spirit is deeply rooted in his Jesuit formation, particularly the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, which emphasize an intimate and personal encounter with Jesus. For Francis, the greatest risk in mission is failing to facilitate that joyful encounter with Christ’s love and mercy.

Francis acknowledges that this shift in vision creates discomfort. A Church that ventures out into the world—especially to its margins—is very different from one that seeks comfort, stability, or inward security. Some of the tension and opposition he has faced, both within and outside the Church, stems from this missionary emphasis, which prioritizes movement over maintenance.

He has also taken a bold stance on interfaith engagement. Francis has sharply criticized religious proselytism, saying that attempts to convert through coercion or persuasion distort authentic faith. Instead, he advocates for respectful dialogue that leads to mutual growth, emphasizing attraction over argument. Echoing the reforms of Vatican II, he describes the Church as “a mother with an open heart,” called to be present in the world—not as a fortress, but as a companion in solidarity, “weak with the weak” and willing to “get its shoes soiled in the mud of the streets.”

Francis has repeatedly warned against a Church that becomes self-referential or overly bureaucratic. In his words, when the Church stops evangelizing, it turns inward and becomes sick—a victim of “theological narcissism.” He has contrasted the Church on mission with one “caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures.” His preference is for “a Church that is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets,” rather than one that is fragile from isolation.

Despite the resistance his vision has met—especially from some conservative factions—Francis remains one of the most globally admired leaders. A 2016 global poll placed him above all secular leaders in approval ratings. As National Review editor Kathryn Jean Lopez observed, the divisions within the Church did not originate with Francis; rather, he has brought them into the light, perhaps trusting the Holy Spirit to guide the process of discernment and healing. Cardinal Michael Czerny, reflecting on the criticism Francis faces, remarked that such opposition is a sign that “he’s on target.”

Through his words, actions, and reforms, Pope Francis continues to challenge the Church to be what it was always meant to be: a living, joyful, and compassionate witness to the love of Christ in the world.

##The Church Governance
From the outset of his papacy, Pope Francis distinguished himself with a radically different approach to leadership and symbolism. Eschewing ornate vestments and traditional papal luxuries, he opted for simplicity and accessibility. He chose not to wear the usual miters adorned with gold, declined luxurious red shoes, and notably stayed in the modest Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace. His first blessing asked for the people’s prayers before offering his own. Early actions like washing the feet of young prisoners—including women and Muslims—signaled a break from clerical formalism and a clear alignment with the poor and marginalized. Such actions garnered praise from progressive voices like theologian Hans Küng, even as they drew criticism from some traditionalists.

##Decentralizing Church Governance and Synodality
Central to Francis’ ecclesiology is a shift from centralized papal authority to local pastoral responsibility. Echoing the spirit of Evangelii Gaudium, he encouraged greater autonomy for bishops’ conferences, as seen in Amoris Laetitia (2016) and Magnum Principium (2017), which respectively permitted local discretion on Communion for the divorced and on liturgical translations. His reforms aim to recast the Vatican as a servant to local churches.

Through synods, Francis championed dialogue and consensus. The apostolic constitution Episcopalis Communio enhanced the role of synods by allowing their conclusions, once approved by the pope, to enter the Church’s magisterium. It also encouraged input from laypeople and highlighted the sensus fidei—the “instinct of faith” among the faithful, particularly the poor.

However, this push toward synodality and decentralization has sparked resistance. Critics fear a fragmentation of doctrine and identity, accusing Francis of sowing confusion or abandoning tradition. His reforms have laid bare tensions within the Church, evident in the polarized responses from clergy and laity alike.

##Challenging Clericalism and Promoting a Pastoral Church
Francis has made combating clericalism a central priority. Inspired by Henri de Lubac’s Vatican II theology that emphasized the Church as the People of God, Francis has continually warned against the dangers of a self-serving priesthood. He has criticized the “psychology of princes,” clerical careerism, and the notion of clergy as functionaries rather than servants. His language can be stark—referring to careerist priests as "little monsters"—and he has taken steps to reduce hierarchical trappings, including limiting the use of the title “Monsignor” for younger priests.

For episcopal appointments, Francis insists on candidates who are humble, pastoral, and close to the people. He envisions clergy as shepherds who live simply and prioritize the needs of the faithful over institutional prestige. The Church, in his view, should be a refuge for all—not a museum for the perfect.

##Theological Approach and Intellectual Freedom
Francis’ theology is rooted in discernment, complexity, and an openness to tension. He was influenced by Romano Guardini’s concept of holding “polar tensions” without collapsing them into simplistic solutions. He emphasizes theological freedom as essential for exploring the Gospel in new cultural and existential contexts.

While his views often contrast with the scholastic rigor favored by predecessors like Benedict XVI, Francis insists he is not anti-intellectual. He encourages theological exploration and interdisciplinary dialogue, and seeks a Church that is outward-facing and mission-driven rather than insular and doctrinaire.

Francis' theology also allows for a more compassionate and nuanced pastoral stance. He has expressed openness toward people often alienated by traditional Church teaching, including LGBTQ individuals and single mothers. His often-quoted “Who am I to judge?” represents a pastoral shift from condemnation to accompaniment.

##Interfaith Dialogue and Global Engagement
Francis has broken new ground in interfaith relations. He was the first pope to meet with a Russian Orthodox patriarch since the Great Schism, and he developed a notable rapport with leaders of Sunni Islam, such as Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb. His 2019 visit to the Arabian Peninsula and humanitarian gestures toward Muslim refugees have further demonstrated his commitment to religious dialogue and peace-building.

He has also reached out to evangelical, Pentecostal, and Latter-day Saints leaders, reflecting his ecumenical openness. Unlike some past popes, Francis does not wage ideological battles against secularism but instead insists that God is encountered in history, including through the struggles of modern life.

##Roles for Women in the Church
While Francis maintains the Church's position against the ordination of women to the priesthood, he has called for expanded leadership roles for women in Church governance and theology. He argues that sacramental roles should not be conflated with dignity or authority, and has emphasized the unique and valuable perspectives women bring to pastoral care and theological reflection.

Under his leadership, women have taken on more prominent roles within the Vatican, including appointments to Vatican congregations and commissions. He has also promoted inclusive theological education, urging Catholic universities to admit women and laypeople alongside seminarians. While efforts such as the commission on women deacons have not produced immediate change, they represent an ongoing commitment to studying historical precedents and reimagining women’s roles in the Church.

##A Church of Mercy: Pope Francis's Pastoral Vision
In Amoris Laetitia ("The Joy of Love"), Pope Francis called for a more compassionate and flexible approach within the Church, emphasizing tolerance and gradual growth over rigid legalism. He cautioned against a strictly binary mindset, writing, "By thinking that everything is black and white, we sometimes close off the way of grace and of growth." The confessional, he insisted, should not resemble "a torture chamber but rather an encounter with the Lord’s mercy," one that encourages people to strive forward. Even small steps taken amid personal struggles, he said, can be more pleasing to God than a seemingly perfect life that avoids deep challenges.

Quoting St. Ambrose, Francis reminded the faithful that the Eucharist "is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak." This inclusive tone sparked concern among some cardinals, with whispers of a possible schism arising in response.

During his visit to the United States, Francis criticized a purely theoretical Christianity that neglects concrete action: “A Christianity which 'does' little in practice, while incessantly 'explaining' its teachings, is dangerously unbalanced.” He warned against the spiritual pride of those who obsess over doctrinal correctness, describing it as “a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism” that inspects and classifies others rather than opening hearts to grace.

Francis has frequently spoken out against those who hide behind the appearance of piety while chasing influence or status, clinging to outdated customs for their own sake. Instead, he urged the Church to be a place of unconditional mercy—where all are welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to embrace the Gospel’s goodness. He has criticized the Church’s past “aggressive and warlike” tendencies in defending doctrinal or racial purity and emphasized that the faith should be shared not by force, but through humility, dialogue, and solidarity with the suffering.

He believes doctrine should not be used as a weapon, but as a source of healing—administered with what he calls pastoral "connaturality," a deep, intuitive sense of how to bring God’s mercy to people in real-world situations.

Even in the symbolic rituals of the Church, Francis has sought to demonstrate his pastoral approach. While baptizing 32 infants in the Sistine Chapel, he encouraged mothers to breastfeed their babies if needed—an unorthodox gesture within the formal setting of the Vatican, yet one entirely consistent with his broader mission to humanize and open up the Church.

##The Renewal of Liturgy and Devotional Practice
Pope Francis inherited a Church that, in many respects, had drifted from the original spirit of the Second Vatican Council. One of his notable efforts to restore this vision came through his 2017 motu proprio, Magnum Principium, which marked a significant shift in authority over liturgical translations. With this reform, national bishops' conferences were given greater responsibility and autonomy in translating liturgical texts, particularly those who had previously faced challenges aligning with Vatican standards. This move reversed previous policies under Pope John Paul II, which had required liturgical texts to conform closely to the original Latin.

In Magnum Principium, Francis emphasized that vernacular languages could evolve into dignified liturgical languages—rich in expression and capable of nourishing faith just as Latin once did. Many viewed this as the conclusion of the “reform of the reform” movement, which aimed to roll back Vatican II’s liturgical changes. As Francis firmly stated, “To speak of ‘the reform of the reform’ is an error!” He also underscored the importance of allowing local cultures to express their faith without mimicking European traditions.

Francis’s inclusive approach to worship was further demonstrated during a Mass in Chiapas, Mexico, where he incorporated indigenous Mayan elements and encouraged the Mexican bishops to show genuine compassion toward indigenous communities. In contrast to his predecessors, Francis moved away from the broad promotion of the Latin Mass and discouraged celebrating the Mass ad orientem, instead emphasizing that the altar remains the central focus of worship.

Speaking about the Eucharist, Francis described it not as a “magical rite,” but as a vital way through which God walks alongside humanity. He championed the active participation of the faithful in the liturgy, particularly through communal singing, despite admitting that his own physical limitations prevent him from singing due to a partial lung removal.

Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Communion, Francis drew on the writings of Saint Paul to stress the unity of the Body of Christ—where each member suffers and rejoices together. He insisted that Communion is not a private act of devotion but a moment of profound transformation, one that calls believers to embody Christ’s peace, forgiveness, and solidarity with others.

For Francis, the sacraments are instruments of grace, not ends in themselves. He stressed that authentic discipleship involves encountering Christ in the sacraments and receiving the strength to live out the Gospel. He warned against using prayer and religious rituals as a cover for injustice or lack of charity. While some commentators have noted a limited focus on the sacraments in his writings on holiness, Francis has consistently emphasized the need to make them widely accessible—particularly in challenging circumstances—and to avoid any association of the sacraments with financial transactions.

Challenging Privatized Devotion

Francis has spoken strongly against a “privatized Church,” describing it as a manifestation of spiritual selfishness and weak faith. He criticized those who promote isolated personal devotions while neglecting broader efforts to engage the laity in societal transformation. In his dialogues with charismatic communities, Francis urged them to look beyond conversion alone and to serve the poor and work for justice.

He reinforced the idea that the Eucharist must lead to lives marked by love, reconciliation, and shared responsibility. In one of his most striking moments as pope, he declared that members of the mafia were effectively excommunicated, publicly stating at a Mass in Calabria that those who live by evil have separated themselves from God.

Francis also cautioned against the overemphasis of Marian devotions that go beyond the Gospel message. He pointed out that Mary never sought glory for herself but humbly followed Jesus as his disciple.

##Charity at the Heart of Pope Francis’s Vision
Pope Francis has consistently emphasized that the foundation of Christian life is charity, extending even to those outside the Church. “The Lord has redeemed all of us... even the atheists. Everyone!” he once said. According to Francis, all people are created in God's image and are called to do good. He often highlights the Gospel of Matthew’s Last Judgment as a clear expression of divine judgment: what is done for the hungry, the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering is done for Christ himself. Likewise, he holds up the Beatitudes as a daily guide for Christian living, pointing to humility, mercy, peacemaking, and a thirst for justice as paths to true happiness and holiness. These teachings form a central part of his exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, where he presents the Beatitudes as a universal roadmap to sanctity.

In response to the growing secularism of the Western world, Francis has adopted a different evangelizing approach from his predecessors—one that focuses less on doctrinal rigidity and more on lived expressions of the Gospel, particularly in addressing social issues. He stresses the importance of economic justice, migrant rights, and environmental responsibility. While some critics have argued that the Vatican has adopted a posture of excessive critique toward the West, Francis views these issues as inseparable from the Church’s mission to defend human dignity.

##A Church for the Poor
From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis has declared his desire for "a Church that is poor and for the poor." His choice of the name Francis was a direct homage to Saint Francis of Assisi, whose love for the poor and care for creation deeply inspired him. He described the medieval saint as a man of peace, simplicity, and solidarity with the marginalized—qualities he hopes to model and instill in the Church.

This commitment to the poor has become one of the most visible hallmarks of Francis’s pontificate. He believes poverty is not merely a social or economic condition but a theological lens through which Christians must understand the Gospel. For him, Christian leadership should resemble Jesus in action—humble, self-giving, and close to those in need. He insists that unless the Church reaches out with tangible compassion, its religious practices risk becoming hollow.

Francis does not shy away from challenging global economic systems. He has spoken out against the scandal of hunger in a world of plenty and condemned the prioritization of profit over human life. “It is painful to see the struggle against hunger hindered by market priorities,” he said, emphasizing that people need dignity, not just charity. He warned that while divine mercy is limitless, the Earth itself “does not forgive” exploitation and injustice.

##Solidarity with Migrants and Refugees
Pope Francis has been a leading global voice for the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants. During a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, he declared that those who build walls instead of bridges cannot call themselves Christian. He has repeatedly urged nations to welcome migrants and to see beyond their own borders to the struggles of others.

Francis warns of a growing “globalization of indifference” that ignores the suffering of migrants and the poor. He challenges Catholics not to follow a detached, comfortable spirituality but to engage with others in meaningful ways. In Evangelii Gaudium, his foundational exhortation, Francis warns against the emptiness of consumerism and the isolation of closed religious circles that fail to engage the broader world.

He has condemned a culture that mourns economic losses more than human suffering. “If investments in banks fall, it is a tragedy... but if people die of hunger or lack medical care, it’s nothing.” Such statements underline his belief that the Church must act decisively against apathy and injustice.

One visible expression of this commitment is found in Rome, where the Vatican’s Santa Maria church has opened its nave—adorned with Renaissance frescoes—to shelter homeless migrants. In 2019, the Vatican unveiled a 20-foot bronze statue in St. Peter’s Square depicting 140 migrants and refugees from different cultures and time periods. It stands as a powerful symbol of Pope Francis’s deep concern for the displaced and a call for the Church to respond with compassion and action.

##Moral Challenge to Global Capitalism
From the outset of his papacy, Pope Francis has offered a strong moral critique of contemporary capitalism, echoing themes found in Pope John Paul II’s Centesimus Annus. Drawing on his experience as Archbishop of Buenos Aires—where he was known as the “slum bishop” for his work in the city’s poorest neighborhoods—Francis has consistently emphasized the harm done by economic systems driven by speculation, inequality, and the “idolatry of money.”

In public statements and major Church documents, Francis has challenged the global economic order for failing to serve the common good. Speaking to United Nations leaders, he urged them to address the structural causes of poverty and hunger rather than merely treat their symptoms. His first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, delivered what many called a blistering indictment of the "culture of prosperity" that dulls moral sensitivity to the suffering of the poor. He lamented that “lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle,” and warned that unless society rejects the unchecked autonomy of markets and speculative finance, no meaningful solution to the world’s problems can be found.

These critiques provoked strong reactions, particularly from defenders of laissez-faire capitalism. One Italian journalist observed that Francis’s condemnation of market excesses struck a nerve, particularly in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. However, Francis does not call for the overthrow of capitalism but for its reform—rooted in long-standing Catholic social teaching and grounded in what he has described as “prioritizing time over space”: focusing on sustained, long-term justice rather than short-term profit.

Central to his papacy is the belief that addressing inequality and injustice is not just a political priority but a spiritual imperative. In a 2013 address to foreign diplomats, Francis likened the unchecked pursuit of wealth to a modern “golden calf,” arguing that such a system undermines the dignity of the poor and the legitimacy of the economy itself. He has decried wealth derived from financial and commodity speculation as scandalous, particularly when it impedes access to food, healthcare, and education. Inequality, he has declared, is “the root of all social ills.”

Francis has also rejected the economic theory of trickle-down prosperity, labeling it “a belief that has never been confirmed by the facts.” He criticizes those who place naive trust in the goodwill of the powerful, cautioning against the sacralization of economic systems that perpetuate injustice.

His global moral vision aims to bridge the divide between the global North and South. As author Elisabetta Piqué notes, Francis sees the economic disparity between these regions as a new kind of Cold War—one that must be overcome by solidarity, not selfishness. His mediation in the diplomatic thaw between the United States and Cuba underscored this commitment. President Barack Obama praised Francis for helping the world aspire to what it should be, rather than accept it as it is. Even Cuban President Raúl Castro acknowledged the pope’s influence, remarking that Francis’s teachings had moved him to reconsider his stance toward religion.

In his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, written in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Francis delivered his strongest critique yet of neoliberal economics. He dismissed the idea that the free market alone can solve social problems, calling this belief a “dogma of neoliberal faith.” The pandemic, he wrote, revealed the deep fragmentation of society and the failure of existing systems to protect the vulnerable. Francis warned against attempts to merely refine the status quo, arguing instead for structural change rooted in solidarity and social justice.

While he has partnered with organizations like the Guardians of Inclusive Capitalism—representing companies with trillions in assets and millions of workers—Francis maintains a critical stance toward economic systems that exclude the marginalized. In a 2024 meeting with the Dialop project, he encouraged Christians and socialists to work together to build a more just world and to confront the “triple scourge” of corruption, lawlessness, and abuse of power. For Francis, the true measure of civilization is how it treats the poor, the unemployed, immigrants, and the oppressed.

Responding to Critics:
Francis’s economic message has drawn backlash, particularly from conservative commentators in the United States. Some labeled his critique “pure Marxism,” with billionaire Kenneth Langone warning that it might alienate donors to Church projects. However, Francis has dismissed such accusations. “Marxist ideology is wrong,” he said, “but I have met many Marxists in my life who are good people, so I don’t feel offended.” He insisted that everything he has said on economics aligns with the Church’s long-standing social doctrine.

In fact, Francis has clarified that he does not advocate for Marxism. In a historic address to the U.S. Congress in 2015, he acknowledged the benefits that capitalism has brought, while emphasizing that economic systems must ultimately serve human dignity. For Francis, faith calls us to recognize Christ in the faces, voices, and pleas of others—and that recognition demands action in the form of justice, mercy, and fraternity.