 Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, was a figure of profound complexity, embodying both the contradictions of his time and the potential for transformative change within the Catholic Church. The socio-political changes in his home Argentina influenced Jorge Mario Bergoglio's viewpoint as the first Jesuit to become pontiff and the first Latin American pope. Pope Francis was an unexpected ally in the fight for social justice, especially because of his outspoken support for the Palestinian cause and his sharp criticism of global capitalism and neoliberalism. Despite having Catholic roots, his pontificate upended the status quo and served as a ray of hope for progressive ideas in a sea of conservatism. This article explores Francis's legacy, criticizes his early silence during the Argentine dictatorship, examines his progressive contributions—including opening up to the People's Republic of China and political engagement with individuals like Fidel Castro and contrasts his approach with that of his predecessor, John Paul II, whose anti-communist stance during the Cold War sided with Western interests. Early Days of Silence During Argentina's Dirty War (1976–1983), a time of severe state repression under a military dictatorship, Jorge Bergoglio's early career took place. An estimated 30,000 people went missing as a result of the regime's targeting of academics, labour unionists, and communists who were thought to be dissenters. Bergoglio was accused of collaboration as the leader of the Jesuit order in Argentina, especially in the abduction and torture of two Jesuit priests, Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics. Critics, particularly human rights campaigners and the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, felt that his silence throughout this period amounted to tacit support for the junta. Nonetheless, the story is not biased. According to some reports, Bergoglio spoke with junta authorities to arrange the priests' release and helped others flee persecution in order to work behind the scenes to defend people. He visited her to show concern for priests working in slums, according to Alicia Oliveira, a friend and former Argentine judge who remembered him as being extremely critical of the dictatorship. These contradictory reports show how complicated his activities were at a very dangerous moment. The Constructivist Lens: Contextualising Silence From a constructivist approach, Bergoglio’s silence must be interpreted within the socio-political setting of Argentina in the 1970s. The dictatorship and the Catholic Church, a significant institution in Argentina, were closely linked, with some priests publicly endorsing the government's anti-communist campaign. Conservative Christians who supported the junta and economic interests frequently vilified communism and socialism as the "work of Satan." The Church leadership, especially the Vatican under Pope Paul VI and subsequently John Paul II, saw liberation theology, a movement that attempted to reconcile Christian teachings with Marxist critiques of structural inequality as heretical. The limitations of Bergoglio's surroundings are reflected in his lack of engagement with liberation theology during this time. He worked as a Jesuit leader in an environment where open disagreement may result in persecution for both himself and the people he was responsible for. Despite criticism, his cautious attitude was perhaps a practical reaction to the oppressive environment. However, his exposure to the injustice and poverty of Argentina's slums, along with the emphasis on the poor in liberation theology, sowed the roots that would eventually grow into his papacy's progressive objectives. Progressive Ideals and the Gospel as Communist Pope Francis changed the tone of the Catholic Church when he took office in 2013, focusing on compassion, humility, and helping those who are less fortunate. He broke with the opulence of his predecessors by choosing to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace and by dressing simply. He denounced the "economy of exclusion and inequality" in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, saying, "Such an economy kills". This critique of capitalism resonated with Marxist critiques of systematic exploitation, presenting Francis as a critic of global economic processes. Francis deviated significantly from the Church's conventional position by being inclusive of the LGBTQ+ population. A change toward pastoral care over judgment was signaled by his 2013 statement, "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?". His words encouraged discussion and acceptance, which was in line with progressive movements that supported equality, even if he did not change Church teaching on homosexuality. Communism and the Gospel: A Sociological Interpretation In a 2022 interview, Francis made one of his most striking claims: “If I see the Gospel in a sociological way only, yes, I am a communist, and so too is Jesus”. This provocative statement reflects a sociological interpretation of the Gospel that critiques wealth accumulation and emphasizes communal welfare. Scholars like Terry Eagleton contend that Jesus' teachings, in particular, his exhortations for wealth redistribution, charity, and a rejection of material excess, reflect the class struggle and egalitarian tenets of Marxism. According to Eagleton, the early Christian communities as they were portrayed in the Acts of the Apostles shared resources to make sure no one was in need and lived in a manner reminiscent of socialism. This connection is further highlighted by Francis's involvement with liberation theology. While he originally distanced himself from its Marxist features, labeling them as “ideological exploitation,” he subsequently welcomed its focus on the poor. His 2013 encounter with Gustavo Gutiérrez, a major liberation theologian, and his integration of issues like land, work, and housing into his World encounter of Popular Movements, reflect a reconciliation with the movement’s basic concerns. Francis was an appealing figure for Marxists looking for partners in the struggle against tyranny because of his nuanced approach, which enabled him to combine traditional Christian ideals with revolutionary social philosophy. Constant Assistance to Palestine One of the most notable aspects of Pope Francis's pontificate, especially in the latter years, was his dedication to the Palestinian cause. He was praised by activists for his persistent demands for peace in Gaza and his direct interaction with Palestinian people, which was in line with Marxist criticisms of occupation and imperialism. Francis called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and assistance for a "starving people that aspires to a future of peace" in his final public speech on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, from St. Peter's Basilica. He also denounced the "deplorable humanitarian situation" in Gaza. This message, which was read by an assistant because of his deteriorating health, demonstrated his constant attention to the suffering in the area. Francis, who was hospitalized with pneumonia in early 2025, called the lone Catholic church in Gaza every day throughout Israel's war operation, giving prayers and solidarity. Israel responded diplomatically to his vocal condemnation of Israel's conduct, which included a statement in November 2024 urging the international community to look into whether the campaign amounted to genocide. With his support for Palestinian self-determination, Francis was able to establish himself as a moral voice opposing what many Marxists perceive to be imperialist aggression. The Catholic Right and Conservative Critics Conservative Catholics strongly opposed Pope Francis's progressive views, especially in the US, where a traditionalist movement became stronger while he was pope. Clergy and lay critics were among his detractors, accusing him of confusing fundamental beliefs like marriage and sexuality and of assuming an authoritarian leadership style while posing as humble. His economic criticisms and his use of inclusive terminology, such as referring to transgender people as "daughters of God" in 2023, were viewed as breaking with precedent. Notable opponents included U.S. conservative media sources like EWTN, which exacerbated opposition, and Cardinal George Pell, who anonymously wrote a report calling Francis's pontificate a “disaster”. In response, Francis criticized his detractors' "backward" views, saying that holding onto tradition while denying doctrinal progress was a "suicidal attitude”. In contrast to his critics' dogmatic views, he emphasized the Church's function as a "field hospital" for a suffering world. Diplomatic Overtures to China Pope Francis’s efforts to improve relations with the People’s Republic of China are equally noteworthy. Since taking charge in 2013, Francis has expressed a desire to visit China and has taken concrete steps towards fostering better ties. The preliminary agreement on the appointment of bishops in China, agreed on September 22, 2018, was a historic step. This accord, while not creating official diplomatic relations, provides for a collaborative procedure in which China selects bishops and the pope has the ability to appoint or reject these suggestions. The 2018 accord, characterized by Vatican officials as "not political but pastoral," seeks to reconcile the Catholic Church in China by guaranteeing bishops are in communion with Rome while still being recognized by Chinese authorities. Following the deal, Pope Francis accepted seven Beijing-appointed bishops, eliminating censures against those consecrated without papal authority. The arrangement has been extended several times, the most recent being in October 2024 for four years, suggesting that coordinated efforts are being made to maintain this sensitive partnership. Despite these limitations, Pope Francis' approach represents a long-term engagement and dialogue strategy aimed at establishing a Catholic Church presence in China that respects both religious freedom and national sovereignty. This approach stands in stark contrast to earlier popes' more hostile views, especially John Paul II, who played a key role in the demise of communist governments across Eastern Europe. Conclusion Pope Francis' papacy, which ended on April 21, 2025, changed the Catholic Church's role in a divided world. His progressive perspective, centered on compassion, economic critique, and solidarity with disadvantaged people like Palestinians and the LGBTQ+ community, challenged the Church’s conservative orthodoxy. Francis connected Christian ethics and revolutionary social philosophy by participating in liberation theology, establishing engagement with China, and applying a sociological lens to the Gospel, winning both acclaim and ire. His early quiet during Argentina's Dirty War is still debated, but his subsequent acts indicate a pragmatic growth molded by sociopolitical circumstances. In contrast to John Paul II's anti-communist campaign, Francis' legacy is a nuanced, inclusive ecclesiology that positions the Church as a moral counterbalance to global imbalances and a beacon for progressive development in the face of enduring conservative resistance. Author Harsh Yadav Archives April 2025
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