Rome
CNN
—
The pontificate of Pope Francis profoundly shook up the Catholic Church.
His restless 12-year-papacy, with its focus on a “poor church for the poor,” called on Catholicism to leave its comfort zone and pitch its tent among the poorest communities. Francis opened discussions on topics that were once viewed off limits, such as the role of women. He welcomed LGBTQ Catholics as “children of God” and opened the door for remarried divorcees to receive communion. He also generated attention with his strong critiques of economic injustice and calls to protect the environment.
Throughout his papacy, however, Francis faced fierce resistance from small,…
