State of the World from NPR The Life and Legacy of Pope Francis
Apr 21, 2025
Silvia Paglioli, NPR’s longtime Rome correspondent, reflects on the profound impact of Pope Francis, the first non-European pope in over a thousand years. She discusses his progressive values, emphasizing inclusivity for marginalized communities, especially around migration and LGBTQ issues. The conversation also touches on his transformative leadership style, focusing on mercy and reform within the Church. Paglioli highlights how Francis reshaped Catholicism, making it a sanctuary of healing and a voice for social justice and environmental issues.
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Pope Francis's Humble Origins
- Jorge Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, was proud of his Argentine roots and worked as a nightclub bouncer before priesthood.
- He warmly embraced his heritage, exemplified by inviting dancing couples to St. Peter's Square on his 78th birthday.
Pope Francis’s Humble Papal Life
- Francis was beloved for his common touch, mingling with crowds and refusing bulletproof protection.
- He broke tradition by living in a Vatican hotel and microwaving his own meals like regular people.
Champion of the Marginalized
- Francis focused on the marginalized, especially the dispossessed in society's peripheries.
- This pastoral care extended beyond Catholics, resonating widely with people globally.