Much of what the late Pope Francis had to say as the first southern hemisphere head of the Catholic Church may have come across as naive and out of touch in a world resolutely divided against itself. Wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan rage without a sign of resolution. Poverty has become entrenched, with 20% of the population owning 80% of the wealth.
Technological change threatens the livelihoods of millions while devising ever more effective ways of killing. And the “culture of waste” and environmental degradation linked to the exploitation of natural resources are an existential threat to the planet.
When Francis spoke with such passion and authority about these and other issues as the head of the world’s largest church, with a following estimated at 1.4-billion people, he did so with an authority no other religious or secular leader could summon. But none of the issues are exclusively “Catholic” issues, going instead to the heart of the unprecedented challenges facing all people in a world tailored for a fortunate minority.
With religious observance declining in proportion to the accumulation of wealth in the developed world, Francis emerged as a spokesperson for those left behind. He became a powerful voice for humanity, offering criticism, guidance and hope in an era the likes of which had not been seen before.
As the cardinals gather to elect a new pope, they cannot but choose someone as forthright and progressive in words and actions as Francis was. Conservative forces may want to roll back his militant message and tone, but doing so would disappoint the millions he inspired in a desperate age.
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