Lasting Legacy of Pope Francis: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 23, 2025

How the contributions of Pope Francis continue to shape the world today.

Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013, until his death in 2025. He held the distinction of being the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first pope born or raised outside of Europe since the 8th century. His papacy marked a significant shift in the Church's leadership and geographical origins.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1925: Publication of Der Gegensatz

In 1925, Romano Guardini published "Der Gegensatz" which was later explored by Bergoglio.

Spurbild der dreieinigen Gottesgemeinschaft.: Gemeinschaftsverständis bei Romano Guardini und seine Anwendung für die Fokolarbewegung (German Edition)

Check it on Amazon

1980: Nobel Peace Prize laureate

In 1980, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, the Argentinian artist and human rights activist who was the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said: "Perhaps he didn't have the courage of other priests, but he never collaborated with the dictatorship... Bergoglio was no accomplice of the dictatorship."

March 2013: New song dedicated to Francis and street renamed in his honor

In March 2013, a new song titled "Come Puoi (How You Can)" was dedicated to Pope Francis, and a street in La Plata, Argentina, was renamed Papa Francisco in his honor. The Argentine Chamber of Deputies also passed legislation to mint a commemorative coin as a tribute to Francis.

March 2013: First Audience and Choice of Papal Name

On March 16, 2013, at his first audience, Francis explained he chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi due to his concern for the poor, inspired by Cardinal Cláudio Hummes's words during the conclave.

November 2015: Release of Music Album 'Wake Up!'

In November 2015, the music album "Wake Up!", consisting of speeches by Pope Francis accompanied by music, was released.

September 2017: Admission of Mishandling the Inzoli Case

In unscripted remarks to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in September 2017, Pope Francis admitted that he mishandled the Mauro Inzoli case, acknowledging he made an error in judgment.

2018: Acknowledgement of Errors and Resignations of Chilean Bishops

In 2018, Pope Francis acknowledged he had made "grave errors" in judgment about Bishop Juan Barros, apologized to the victims and launched a Vatican investigation that resulted in the resignation of three Chilean bishops: Barros, Gonzalo Duarte, and Cristián Caro.

2018: Release of documentary film 'Pope Francis: A Man of His Word'

In 2018, the documentary film "Pope Francis: A Man of His Word", co-written and directed by Wim Wenders, was released.

Loading Video...

2019: Portrayal in 'The Two Popes' film

In 2019, Pope Francis was portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in the biographical film "The Two Popes".

Loading Video...

October 2020: Premiere of the documentary 'Francesco'

On October 21, 2020, the documentary "Francesco", directed by film producer Evgeny Afineevsky, premiered.

Loading Video...

June 2022: Spiritual testament dated

Pope Francis's spiritual testament, dated June 29, 2022, expressed his wish to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

October 2022: Premiere of "The Letter: A Message for our Earth" on YouTube Originals

On October 4, 2022, the documentary "The Letter: A Message for our Earth", directed by Nicolas Brown and produced by Off The Fence in partnership with Laudato Si' Movement, premiered on YouTube Originals.

Loading Video...

October 2023: Convening of the Synod on Synodality

On October 4, 2023, Francis convened the beginnings of the Synod on Synodality, described by some as the culmination of his papacy.

2023: Robert Francis Prevost made cardinal by Francis.

In 2023, Robert Francis Prevost was made a cardinal by Francis.

April 2025: Papal Interregnum begins

Following Pope Francis' death in April 2025, a papal interregnum began, marked by a nine-day mourning period. His funeral took place on April 26, 2025.

April 2025: Francis's Final Easter Address and Death

In April 2025, Pope Francis made his last public appearance at St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, delivering his final Easter address and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. He passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, due to a cerebral stroke leading to cardiac arrest.

May 2025: Start of the conclave to elect Francis's successor.

In May 2025, the cardinal electors arrived in Rome to attend the congregation of cardinals and decided that May 7, 2025 would be the start of the conclave set to elect Francis's successor. On May 8, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV.