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The Daily

How Pope Francis Changed the Catholic Church

Apr 22, 2025
Jason Horowitz, the Rome Bureau Chief at The New York Times, explores the transformative impact of Pope Francis on the Catholic Church. He discusses the pope's progressive leadership and initiatives, as well as his struggles with traditionalists. Horowitz reflects on significant moments from Francis's papacy, such as his outreach to marginalized communities and his stance on global issues like immigration and climate change. The conversation also hints at the challenges ahead for the church following his passing and the importance of a successor who can continue his mission.
39:20

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Pope Francis pushed for reform within the Catholic Church, creating divisions between progressive advocates for change and traditionalists resisting it.
  • His leadership emphasized empathy and inclusivity, aiming to address contemporary issues while balancing the Church's foundational beliefs.

Deep dives

Pope Francis's Legacy of Change

Pope Francis, who served as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church for a decade, created a distinct legacy characterized by his push for reform and modernity. His papacy became a point of contention, attracting admiration from progressives who viewed him as a change agent, while conservatives feared his approach could undermine traditional doctrines. His leadership style emphasized empathy and outreach, exemplified by his calls for the Church to embrace those on society's peripheries and to become more relevant to contemporary issues. This drive for reform led to a profound influence on global discourse regarding church priorities and the role of leadership within the community.

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