The Debate

A true reformer? The legacy of Pope Francis


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He chartered a change of course for the Catholic Church. The faithful are mourning the passing of Francis, the first pope born outside Europe in more than a millennium. The native of Buenos Aires brought his years of parish work in working-class neighbourhoods to the high halls of the Vatican.

In his 12 years as pontiff, Pope Francis championed the cause of migrants, climate action, civil unions for homosexuals, and talked up reform inside a Church worn down by declining attendance and sex scandals. 

The pope's very last audience on Easter Sunday with JD Vance showcased the struggle between reformers and conservatives, with the US vice president espousing the more traditional line of the American clergy and a less clement reading of scriptures. 

So what next? We ask about succession and the direction of a Catholic Church that's a reflection of a world that seems, once again, at a crossroads.

Produced by Théophile Vareille, Rebecca Gnignati and Ilayda Habip.

Read moreWho are the leading candidates to succeed Pope Francis?

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The DebateBy FRANCE 24 English

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