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The Pontiff who swiped right on modernity

I have to admit I am not a friend of the church(es) and the passing away from the pope leaves me rather cold and uninterested. But since it is non stop in the news which I try to avoid, I had a good look at achievements he might or might not have reached.

Since taking the papal throne in 2013 (well, more like a modest Vatican armchair — he’s not really a throne kind of guy), Pope Francis has steadily carved out a reputation as the Church’s most relatable Supreme Pontiff since… ever.

Dubbed by some as the “People’s Pope”, and by others as “the Vatican’s polite revolutionary”, Francis has certainly shaken things up — not always drastically, but often just enough to make both progressives and traditionalists nervous. That, in itself, is quite the miracle.

So what has he actually done? Here’s a look at the concrete — and occasionally contradictory — accomplishments of the world’s holiest head of state.

🐢 1. The Eco-Pope

In 2015, Francis published Laudato Si’, an encyclical that basically told the world: “God’s creation is not your trash can.” He urged urgent climate action, reminded us that rising seas affect the poor first, and made it clear that being Catholic now means you have to care about the planet — sorry, SUVs.

He even made the Vatican the first fully carbon-neutral country. Sure, it’s the size of a golf course, but hey — symbolically, it’s a giant leap for popedom.

💸 2. Capitalism, Meet Your (Mildly Irritated) Critic

Pope Francis has been consistently critical of unfettered capitalism. He’s not a Marxist — but he definitely thinks Wall Street could use a few Jesus quotes and maybe a conscience.

He’s championed the poor, condemned inequality, and often sounds like the only world leader brave enough to say, “Maybe trillion-dollar fortunes aren’t totally normal?”

🌈 3. “Who Am I to Judge?”™

Possibly the most famous five words of his pontificate. Francis opened the door — just slightly — to a more compassionate tone toward LGBTQ+ people.

While Church doctrine hasn’t changed, the vibe has. In 2024, he even approved blessings for same-sex couples (with several asterisks, disclaimers, and theological fine print). A slow shuffle forward, but a shuffle nonetheless.

🧹 4. Vatican Spring Cleaning (Sort Of)

Francis promised to tidy up the messy Vatican finances. He’s fired shady cardinals, called in accountants, and tried to Marie Kondo the Curia.

Progress has been made, but let’s just say that cleaning centuries of cobwebs from golden vaults is a long-term project. Especially when half the broom closet is missing.

🤝 5. Interfaith World Tour

Francis has been hugging imams, high-fiving rabbis, and bonding with Buddhists. He even signed a historic document with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar calling for peace, mutual respect, and a shared love of humanity.

He’s basically become the spiritual CEO of Interfaith, Inc.

💬 6. The Synod on Synodality (aka “Let’s All Talk… A Lot”)

In what may be the most Catholic of reforms, Francis invited everyone to talk about the future of the Church. The Synod on Synodality is a multi-year consultation project that’s equal parts group therapy, corporate brainstorming session, and family reunion — with incense.

The most radical part? Laypeople — including women! — are actually being listened to. No final conclusions yet, but stay tuned for a possible ecclesiastical mic drop in 2025.

🚪 7. Pope of the People (and IKEA)

Francis refused the papal palace, ditched the red Prada shoes, and moved into a modest guesthouse. He drives a used Ford Focus. He probably owns three cardigans. He lives like the neighbor who always waters your plants when you’re away — and still goes to Mass at 7 a.m.

😬 8. The Abuse Crisis: Still a Thorny Cross

He’s taken more action than his predecessors, including setting up new laws and accountability mechanisms. But critics say it’s still not enough — especially when it comes to bishops covering up abuse.

Progress has been real, but it’s also been painfully slow and uneven.

🛑 What Hasn’t Changed

• Women are still not allowed to be priests (or deacons, officially).
• Priests still can’t marry.
• The Church’s stance on contraception remains… frozen in time.
• There is still no confessional app (but give it time).

🧠 The Verdict

Pope Francis hasn’t re-written Church doctrine, but he’s rewritten the tone — and that tone has rippled across the globe. He’s shifted the conversation from rules to mercy, from judgment to inclusion, from palaces to practicality.

He might not be the revolution some hoped for, but he’s certainly the revelation the Church didn’t expect.

And let’s be honest — anyone who gets both Greta Thunberg and Beyoncé fans talking about Catholicism is doing something very right.

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