Pope Francis reinvigorated the Catholic Church's focus on marginalized communities and advocated for progressive social policies, reinforcing his commitment to social justice in a world facing systemic inequalities.

His encyclicals, particularly 'Laudato Si', established him as a moral leader in the climate movement, tying environmental issues to social justice and highlighting the disproportionate impacts on the poor and marginalized.

Despite notable improvements in church transparency regarding sexual abuse scandals, his handling of specific cases drew criticism, demonstrating ongoing challenges in implementing comprehensive reforms.

Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina and became the first pope from the Americas, was known for his focus on social justice, particularly the plight of the marginalized, migrants, and the poor during his papacy.

He emphasized ecological issues in his encyclicals, advocating for a sustainable relationship with the environment, and consistently spoke against an economic system that exploits the poor.

While he made significant strides in modernizing the Church and engaging in interfaith dialogue, his papacy was marked by a complex legacy concerning controversial church doctrines and responses to clergy abuse.

Pope Francis's papacy was marked by significant criticism from conservative factions within the Church, particularly regarding his more liberal stances on issues like divorce and same-sex unions, which were seen as departures from traditional Catholic doctrine.

While he sought to modernize the Church's approach, traditionalists argued that his reforms often fell short, particularly in handling clerical abuse of power, leading to allegations of undermining Church doctrine.

Despite his efforts to promote dialogue with other religions, some conservative leaders expressed dissatisfaction with his more permissive stance towards theological interpretations that conflicted with longstanding Catholic teachings.