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

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

Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. Notably, he is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born outside of Europe since the 8th century. His papacy has focused on themes of mercy, social justice, environmental stewardship, and interreligious dialogue, often emphasizing outreach to marginalized communities and advocating for global solutions to poverty and inequality.

Sections (6)

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

1979: John Paul II's Historic Trip to Ireland

In 1979, Pope John Paul II made a historic trip to Ireland. The 1979 trip was the first Papal visit to Ireland and had a lasting impact.

March 2013: Tributes to Pope Francis

In March 2013, a song titled "Come Puoi" was dedicated to Pope Francis and released in multiple languages. A street in La Plata, Argentina, was renamed in his honour, and legislation was passed to mint a commemorative coin. Sales of papal souvenirs also increased.

March 2013: First Audience and Choice of Papal Name

On March 16, 2013, at his first audience, Francis explained that he had chosen the name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi because he was especially concerned for the well-being of the poor. Cardinal Cláudio Hummes had whispered, "Don't forget the poor" during the conclave.

May 2013: First Canonizations of Pontificate

On 12 May 2013, Pope Francis presided over the first canonizations of his pontificate, canonizing the Martyrs of Otranto, Laura of St. Catherine of Siena, and María Guadalupe García Zavala.

December 2013: Named Person of the Year

In December 2013, both Time and The Advocate magazines named Pope Francis as their "Person of the Year"; Esquire magazine named him as the "Best-dressed man" for 2013, citing his simpler vestments.

2013: Public Perception as Liberal

In 2013, Pope Francis's comments in his first long interview were described as liberal and fundamentally anti-conservative.

January 2014: Rolling Stone Cover

In January 2014, Rolling Stone magazine featured Pope Francis on their front cover.

April 2015: Inauguration of the Special Jubilee Year of Mercy

In April 2015, Pope Francis inaugurated a Special Jubilee Year of Mercy with the papal bull Misericordiae Vultus, scheduled to run from 8 December 2015 to 20 November 2016.

November 2015: Release of Wake Up! Album

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

December 2015: Commencement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy

On 8 December 2015, the Jubilee Year of Mercy began, following Pope Francis's papal bull of indiction, Misericordiae Vultus.

2015: Declared Saint Gregory of Narek a Doctor of the Church

In 2015, Pope Francis declared Saint Gregory of Narek a Doctor of the Church.

November 2016: Establishment of the World Day of the Poor

On 20 November 2016, Pope Francis established the World Day of the Poor in his Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et Misera, issued to celebrate the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

November 2016: End of the Jubilee Year of Mercy

On 20 November 2016, the Jubilee Year of Mercy concluded, as it had begun on 8 December 2015, following Pope Francis's papal bull of indiction, Misericordiae Vultus.

2016: Inclusion in Forbes Lists

In 2016, Pope Francis was included in Forbes lists of most powerful people in the world.

September 2017: Francis Admits Mishandling Inzoli Case

In September 2017, Pope Francis admitted that he mishandled the Mauro Inzoli case, saying that as a new pope, "I did not understand these things well and chose the more benevolent of the two sentences but after two years the priest had a relapse. I learned from this."

2018: Revision of Catechism on Death Penalty

In 2018, Pope Francis revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church to state that the death penalty is "inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person" and committed the Catholic Church to support worldwide abolition of the death penalty.

2018: Release of 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.

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2019: Placement of statue in St. Peter's Square to bring attention to refugees

In 2019, Pope Francis placed a statue in St. Peter's Square to bring attention to the Christian imperative involved in the refugee situation. He has consistently defended the rights of refugees and migrants, engaging in dialogue with Europe and the United States.

2019: Portrayal in The Two Popes

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

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October 2020: Premiere of "Francesco" Documentary

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

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2020: Reiteration on Death Penalty Inadmissibility

In his 2020 encyclical Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis repeated that the death penalty was "inadmissible" and that "there can be no stepping back from this position".

Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship

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January 2022: Statement on Death Penalty to Vatican Ambassadors

On 9 January 2022, Pope Francis stated in his annual speech to Vatican ambassadors that "the death penalty cannot be employed for a purported state justice, since it does not constitute a deterrent nor render justice to victims, but only fuels the thirst for vengeance".

October 2022: Premiere of The Letter: A Message for our Earth

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

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2022: Apology for Church's role in "cultural genocide"

In 2022, Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Church's role in the "cultural genocide" of the Canadian Indigenous peoples.

2022: Declared Saint Irenaeus of Lyon a Doctor of the Church

In 2022, Pope Francis declared Saint Irenaeus of Lyon a Doctor of the Church.

October 2023: Convened the Synod on Synodality

On October 4, 2023, Francis convened the beginnings of the Synod on Synodality, described as the culmination of his papacy and one of the most important events in the Church since the Second Vatican Council.

November 2024: Modification of Papal Funeral Rites

On 20 November 2024, Pope Francis modified papal funeral rites to resemble those of a bishop and opted for a simple wooden casket instead of the traditional three coffins. Pope Francis will also be the first Pope since Leo XIII to be buried outside the Vatican, with plans to bury him in Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. The changes in November 2024 reflect a desire for simplicity.