Top 10 Notable Accomplishments of Pope Saint Francis.
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his passing in April 2025, is remembered for his transformative and compassionate leadership.
Here are ten of notable accomplishments and events during Pope Francis’ papacy:
Environmental Advocacy:
In 2015, Pope Francis released the encyclical Laudato Si’, emphasizing the moral imperative to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Synod on Synodality:
He initiated the Synod on Synodality (2023–2024), promoting a more inclusive Church by allowing women to vote in a Synod of Bishops for the first time.
Diplomatic Engagements:
Pope Francis played a pivotal role in restoring diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba in 2014 and met with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in 2016, marking a significant step in Catholic-Orthodox relations.
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy:
Declared from December 2015 to November 2016, this Holy Year emphasized forgiveness and compassion, extending the Church’s outreach globally.
Death Penalty Stance:
In 2018, he revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church to declare the death penalty inadmissible in all cases, advocating for its global abolition.
Addressing Clergy Abuse:
Pope Francis convened a summit on clergy sexual abuse in 2019 and implemented reforms to enhance accountability within the Church.
COVID-19 Response:
During the pandemic, he emphasized the moral responsibility of vaccination and advocated for universal basic income to support those economically affected.
Advocacy for Marginalized Communities:
He consistently supported the rights of migrants, the poor, and the LGBTQ+ community, promoting a more inclusive Church.
Apology to Indigenous Peoples:
In 2022, he visited Canada to apologize for the Church’s role in the abuses at residential schools, acknowledging the suffering of Indigenous communities.
Simplification of Papal Rites:
Pope Francis approved changes to papal funeral rites in 2024, opting for a simpler ceremony and choosing to be buried in a plain wooden casket outside the Vatican.
These milestones reflect Pope Francis’s commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
