Analysis: The papacy still matters for the Irish Church, particularly in how it approaches inclusion, women's leadership, LGBTQ+ Catholics, and rebuilding of trust
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in 2013 as Pope Francis, he did so with a quiet simplicity that would define a transformative papacy. He chose the name of a saint known for humility and love for the poor, and from his first words, "Buona sera," it was clear that this would not be a papacy of excess. Now, more than a decade later, and as speculation swirls around who his successor may be and the future of the Church, it is worth asking: what legacy does Pope Francis leave behind, and what might come next, for both the global Church and a country like Ireland, where Catholicism remains present, but often conflicted?
A global pontiff in a globalised Church
Francis was the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit, and the first to take seriously the demographic shift in Catholicism away from Europe and toward the Global South. His priorities reflected this shift: a Church of the peripheries, concerned with poverty, injustice, climate crisis, and the wounds of marginalised people.
Through encyclicals on the ecological crisis such as Laudato si', his reflections on a love that transcends physical proximity in Fratelli tutti, and his emphasis on accompaniment over judgement in Amoris Laetitia, Francis’s papacy challenged the spiritual and political conscience of the Church. He denounced "the globalisation of indifference," championed interfaith dialogue in places like Abu Dhabi and Iraq, and called for a Church that "goes forth" in mission as opposed to gazing inward.
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From RTÉ News, Thousands queue to pay respects to Pope Francis
Francis also reformed Church governance, gradually shifting power away from the Vatican’s rigid bureaucracy toward a more synodal model where bishops, and laypeople, are called to discern the Spirit together. While Francis’ papacy was one of mercy, encounter, and authentic listening, it did not all go smoothly. Efforts at Church reform, particularly those relating to financial transparency and sexual abuse were met with significant resistance. Critical voices accused Francis of being ambiguous on doctrine and, in trying to please progressives and traditionalists, he did not satisfy either.
Francis and Ireland: A complex relationship
In a nation where the Church has lost moral credibility as people still reckon with the deep wounds inflicted by clerical abuse and institutional cruelty, Francis’ tone of compassion, humanity, and focus on social justice struck a chord with Irish Catholics. His papal visited in 2018, however, was met with mixed emotions. While thousands gathered to welcome him, there was also a justifiable anger and disappointment from survivors of Church-run institutions. While Francis did express sorrow for victims, his carefully worded apologies appear to have fallen short for many survivors.
For many Catholics, however, his visit symbolised an effort to re-engage with an Ireland that had changed dramatically since John Paul II’s visit in 1979. The Ireland of today is increasingly diverse, secular, and understandably sceptical of institutional claims to moral authority. And, yet, a spiritual hunger remains - one that Francis’ inclusive vision may have helped to subtly invigorate. His words on the environment, inequality, and migrants echo the concerns of many Irish young people, and his challenge to "build bridges, not walls" is harmonious with a nation tormented by memories of exclusion and exile.
From RTÉ News, A look back at Pope Francis' visit to Ireland in 2018
What comes next?
As conclave begins, the college of cardinals play a decisive role in determining whether Francis’ vision will endure or not – at least, in theory. With the borage of interest in who will succeed Francis, there is a sense that there are several leading contenders. Amidst them is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna who, known for peace-building and pastoral outreach, could consolidate Francis’ reforms with gentle authority. Another, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a Filipino Cardinal with global experience and significant communication skills, could bring youthful energy and empathy that may further globalise the papacy.
On a conservative side, Cardinal Robert Sarah or Cardinal Marc Ouellet may satisfy Catholics hoping for the Church to 'return’ doctrinal clarity and traditional moral teaching - a move that would only serve to further alienate many Irish Catholics who already find themselves on the margins. A possible 'compromise’ may find itself in Cardinal Peter Turkson who may maintain continuity between Francis’ social vision and what some Catholics consider greater certainty and clarity of Church doctrine. Whatever the outcome, the next Pontiff faces a Church-divided by the polemics of left and right as well as in terms of relevance and retreat. Francis’ successor will need not only theological acumen, but emotional intelligence, diplomatic savvy, and a deep ability to listen to the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, as well as those beyond the Church.
Ireland’s stake in the future
For Ireland, the election of the next pope will not suddenly reverse decades of secularisation and the Church’s loss of institutional authority in Ireland. And, yet, the papacy still matters for the Irish Church, particularly in how she approaches inclusion, women’s leadership, LGBTQ+ Catholics, and rebuilding of trust, if not Church structures. Irish Catholics - especially younger generations - are looking for integrity, authenticity, and spiritual nourishment, a Church that faces its history honestly, embraces diversity with grace, and remains rooted in the radical message of the Gospel.
Francis didn’t solve all of the Church’s problems, but neither has any Pontiff. His papacy did serve as an interruption. Francis’ emphasis on the Church as a field hospital stood in stark contrast to stifling voices within the Church that call for retreat and fortification. Francis’ called for the Church to move from a place of condemnation to conversation: whether this shift continues rests not only on the outcome of the conclave, but on the personhood of his successor – will he have the courage to keep walking the road that has been laid by Francis?
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
