Nine years ago, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit archbishop from Argentina, was introduced to a surprised world as Pope Francis. He bowed his head and asked us all to pray for him as he began to lead with humble ways, powerful words, and a call to live out the joy of the Gospel. Pope Francis’ mission and message are at the heart of our Initiative and have been the focus of our annual dialogues on the “Francis Factor” assessing his leadership, priorities, challenges, and impact.
On Tuesday, March 1, the Initiative brought together respected leaders with differing responsibilities, experience, and affiliations to examine Pope Francis’ call to encounter, solidarity, and synodality. This online dialogue included two extraordinary religious women: Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, who was recently appointed by Pope Francis to help lead the Vatican’s work on justice, peace, and care for creation; and Sr. Norma Pimentel, whom Pope Francis has praised for her tireless ministry to uphold the dignity and protect the lives of immigrants at the U.S. southern border. This conversation also included leaders of two major Catholic initiatives: Stephen White of The Catholic Project at The Catholic University of America, and Kim Daniels, the Initiative’s co-director. In different ways, each leader has worked to underscore the responsibilities of lay Catholics in responding to Pope Francis’ renewal of synodality and the scandal of clergy sexual abuse.
Over this last year, Pope Francis and the rest of us continue to be tested by the moral, human, and spiritual challenges of a global pandemic. Pope Francis has called the Church to listen, learn, and better live our Gospel mission through the synodal process now underway. In the United States, Pope Francis continues to face opposition from some bishops, prominent laypeople, and others. The U.S. Catholic Church is divided and anguished by the ongoing pain of the clergy abuse crisis. And as the world faces war in Europe, Pope Francis is appealing for peace. This is a time of testing for Pope Francis, the Church he leads, and the world he serves.
John Carr, co-director of the Initiative and former director of justice and peace efforts of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, moderated the conversation.
These respected leaders explored questions along these lines:
- Nine years after his election, what is the “Francis Factor”? In the United States? In the global Catholic Church? In our own faith and lives?
- The continuing harm of the clergy sex abuse crisis haunts Pope Francis and the whole Church. What progress has been made and what additional steps are required to ensure greater protection, transparency, accountability, and justice?
- What is Synod 2021-2023, why has Pope Francis called it, and what should we expect from it? What are its implications for the Church in the United States and around the world?
- The leadership of women in the Church is a constant question. What has Pope Francis done, and what else should he do?
- The resistance to Pope Francis and his leadership is unusual, influential, and powerful. What are its sources? What is its impact? And how can the unity of the Church be repaired and strengthened?
- What are the major themes and priorities of Pope Francis after nine years? What are his strategies for advancing them? What are the obstacles? What are his continuing and future challenges?
Resources
View a list of articles, statements, and other resources for this dialogue.
The Initiative’s Francis Factor dialogues focus on Pope Francis’ mission and message, his priorities and leadership, his impact, and the challenges he offers to U.S. Catholics.
