Pope Francis: A Compassionate Pastoral and Accessible Ministry Approach During His Pontificate (2013-2025)

Pope Francis: Compassionate Pastoral and Accessible Ministry (2013-2025)

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has distinguished his papacy by adopting a ministry characterized by deep compassion and accessibility. His approach seeks not only to address the spiritual needs of the Catholic faithful but also to engage with the broader world, emphasizing social justice, mercy, and inclusivity.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has prioritized outreach to marginalized communities, encouraging the Church to embrace its role as a refuge for those who are often overlooked or forgotten. He has brought attention to global issues such as poverty, immigration, climate change, and interfaith dialogue, calling for a more compassionate response from both individuals and institutions.

Pope Francis’s style of leadership is marked by his willingness to meet people where they are. He often opts for informal settings, choosing to engage in direct conversations with ordinary people, reflecting his commitment to accessibility. By breaking down barriers between the clergy and laity, he has fostered a more approachable image of Church leadership.

His teachings, rooted in the principles of love and mercy, encourage all followers to live out a faith that is active in the world. He emphasizes the importance of community, urging the faithful to come together in love and service, which has resonated widely both within the Church and in society at large.

As he continues his papacy into 2025, Pope Francis remains a pivotal figure in advocating for a Church that embodies compassion and openness, striving to cultivate a more inclusive world and inspiring countless individuals to act with empathy and dedication in their own lives.

1. A Shepherd Who Refuses the Palace

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope in March 2013 and chose the name Francis, it was a moment that resonated deeply within the Catholic Church and beyond, marking what many perceived as a significant shift in papal leadership. This decision was not merely a symbolic gesture; it was akin to a theological thunderclap that reverberated throughout the global community.

Pope Francis is not a leader who is content to distance himself from the everyday realities faced by ordinary people. Instead, he embodies a commitment to enter into the chaos and complexity of the world around him. He actively seeks to challenge the comfortable and often insular nature of the Church, urging it to reconnect with its foundational mission of compassion, service, and evangelization. With a clear emphasis on humility and service, Pope Francis has sought to revive the ancient flame of apostolic boldness, a call for the Church to engage with the world in ways that reflect the radical love and mercy of Christ.

Rooted in the rich tradition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, which emphasize discernment, reflection, and a deep awareness of God's presence in the world, Pope Francis navigates his papacy with the heart of a faithful pastor. He is driven by a profound missionary urgency, reflecting on the words of St. Paul: “I have made myself all things to all people, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). This guiding principle informs his efforts to reach out to marginalized communities, address pressing issues like poverty and inequality, and foster a spirit of inclusivity within the Church.

As he leads the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has embarked on a path that is both glorious and perilous. He recognizes that the journey involves not only the possibility of transformation but also the risk of opposition and misunderstanding. Yet, his unwavering dedication to serving as a shepherd to all people signals a hopeful and visionary approach to the Church's role in the modern world.

2. Jesuit Spirituality: Discernment as Battle Readiness

The essence of Jesuit spirituality lies in its capacity to transform individuals into warriors of the interior life, equipped to navigate the complexities of the human condition. Pope Francis exemplifies this tradition, not merely as an intellectual leader or administrator, but as a person honed through the fires of spiritual combat and discernment.

In his daily life, he engages in active discernment, a practice that allows him to tune into the whispers of the Holy Spirit amidst the clamor of modern distractions and societal noise. This attentiveness is particularly relevant in our contemporary world, where finding clarity can often feel like an uphill battle. Francis diligently practices the Ignatian Examen, a reflective process that helps him identify where God is guiding him, especially in the nuanced and often painful gray areas of human suffering.

The Ignatian principle of seeking the “magis,” or “the greater good for the greater glory of God,” motivates Pope Francis to push beyond the status quo, urging him not to settle for mere adequacy but to venture into unfamiliar, challenging territories. This call to excellence is not confined to lofty ideals but translates into actionable steps that involve risk and growth.

As reinforced by the scripture, "Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God" (Romans 12:2), Francis’s approach to discernment is grounded in a continual openness to transformation and renewal, seeking divine guidance at every turn.

3. Pastoral Heart

A. The Pope Who Touches Leprosy

Pope Francis exemplifies a pastoral heart that refuses to maintain a sterile, ceremonial distance from the human experience of suffering. He models the radical closeness of the Good Shepherd, as seen through his actions that prioritize compassion and connection over privilege. Rather than confining his visits to lavish palaces or elite gatherings, he chooses to engage with society’s most marginalized and vulnerable, often visiting prisons, homeless shelters, and communities in distress as a testament to his commitment to love in action.

His practices are not mere gestures; they encapsulate the spirit of Christ, who dared to touch the untouchable. From washing the feet of those on the fringes, including Muslims, women, and incarcerated individuals, Francis powerfully illustrates the principle that the Church must be a refuge for the outcast and a source of solace for the suffering. His actions challenge priests and bishops to leave their comfort zones, echoing his belief that "a shepherd should smell like the sheep" (Chrism Mass Homily, 2013), which symbolises the call to embody the experiences of those they serve.

B. Mercy, Not Moralism

Pope Francis endeavours to re-centre the narrative of Catholic life around the theme of divine mercy. This message has often been overshadowed by institutional bureaucracy and rigid adherence to moral codes. His declaration of the Year of Mercy in 2016 was a resounding call for the global Church to act as a field hospital, tending to the wounded and brokenhearted in the aftermath of spiritual and emotional battles.

By emphasizing the need for mercy over moralism, he invites the faithful to engage with the world through a lens of compassion, rather than judgment. He quotes the Gospel: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36), urging believers to reflect God’s love in their interactions. Additionally, he reinforces the prophetic words of Jesus, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Matthew 9:13), heralding a shift from a transactional understanding of faith to one defined by grace, empathy, and authentic relationships with others.

Through these teachings and practices, Pope Francis fosters a Church that actively engages with the world’s pain, exemplifying a faith rooted in love, action, and deep pastoral care.

4. Missionary Impulse: A Church on the Move

A. The Field Hospital vs. the Fortress

Pope Francis firmly rejects the traditional notion of the Church as a fortress, a bastion of safety and security that isolates itself from the world. Instead, he advocates for a vision of the Church as a field hospital, one that actively engages with society's brokenness. This model emphasizes presence over protection; it involves taking risks by stepping outside established boundaries, even when the experience can be challenging or painful.

“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets.” - Evangelii Gaudium §49

In this perspective, the Church is called to embrace the discomfort of interacting with the marginalized, the suffering, and those in need. It entails acknowledging that genuine evangelization requires a readiness to encounter the complexities and hardships of the human condition.

B. The Mandate to the Margins

Pope Francis does not merely speak about the importance of evangelization; he embodies it by physically traveling to the peripheries of society, those geographic and social spaces often overlooked or disregarded. His visits to the Amazon basin highlight environmental and indigenous concerns, while trips to migrant camps underscore the plight of those searching for safety and a better life. He also addresses communities in war-torn areas and neglected dioceses, bringing hope and solidarity where it is most desperately needed.

This missionary zeal reflects the ad gentes (to the nations) spirit found in the Acts of the Apostles, resonating powerfully in contemporary contexts.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” - Matthew 28:19
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem… and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8

Through his actions, Francis reminds the Church of its vital call to extend its compassion beyond its own walls, truly living out the command to reach all corners of the earth with the Gospel message.

5. Synodality: Listening to the Spirit in the Crowd

A. The Church as Pilgrim, Not Institution Alone

Pope Francis envisions a Church that sees itself as a pilgrim community on a shared journey, rather than a hierarchical institution solely governed by clerical authority. This understanding of synodality emphasizes the importance of walking together, laity and clergy alike, in a spirit of mutual respect and discernment. Synodality is not merely a procedural or democratic mechanism; it is a profound communal discernment, founded on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and deeply rooted in Scripture and the Church's rich tradition.

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20
“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” - 1 John 4:1

This approach underscores that every voice matters within the Church community, and the collective wisdom arising from these shared experiences helps to discern God's will.

B. Synods on the Peripheries

The various synods that Pope Francis has convened, focusing on themes such as the Amazon, the family, youth, and the very nature of synodality, serve as vital platforms for amplifying voices that have long been silenced or disregarded within the Church. These gatherings aim to foster an inclusive dialogue, allowing those who feel marginalized to share their experiences and insights.

While these efforts to genuinely listen and engage may provoke pushback or resistance from established norms, Pope Francis emphasizes that this discomfort is a necessary aspect of authentic listening and actual ecclesial growth. By confronting such challenges, the Church can open itself to the transformative power of diversity and communal discernment, ultimately enriching its missionary life and vocation.

6. Theological Anchors: Christ the Troublemaker

Pope Francis embraces a role that some might see as disruptive, yet this disruption is rooted firmly in a profound evangelical mission. Much like Christ, who boldly overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the temple as recounted in John 2:15, and who scandalized the religious leaders of his time by dining with tax collectors and sinners, as narrated in Mark 2:15-17, Pope Francis enters the contentious spaces of contemporary society. His intention is not to seek the approval of the powerful or influential, but to awaken the hearts of the faithful and challenge the status quo with a message of hope and transformation.

a. Radical Mercy (Luke 15)

In Luke 15, Jesus shares three poignant parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, all of which illustrate God's relentless pursuit of those who have strayed. Each parable reveals the depth of divine compassion and underscores the joy in heaven over one repentant sinner. Pope Francis regards this chapter as a cornerstone of his papacy, emphasizing that mercy is not a sign of weakness but rather the most profound expression of divine strength. When he declares, “The name of God is Mercy,” he asserts that the Church’s mission must encompass the proclamation of truth, infused with the grace and embrace of the Father who eagerly runs to meet his errant son. This pastoral approach is a reflection of God's very character, as revealed through Jesus’ teachings and actions.

b. Discipleship on the Move (Luke 10:1-9)

In Luke 10, Jesus commissions 72 disciples to go out ahead of Him, two by two, into the towns and places where He intends to visit. They are instructed to travel light, without bags, sandals, or provisions, solely relying on God’s providence and the hospitality of those they encounter. Pope Francis embodies this model of itinerant discipleship, consistently underscoring that mission is not just an additional task for the Church but is central to its very identity. He boldly states, “Mission is not a project; it is our identity,” reinforcing that the Church is defined not as a static institution but as a pilgrim people, continually moving outward in search of the lost, the marginalized, and those in need of hope and healing. The essence of this missionary impulse is to live dynamically and authentically as witnesses of Christ’s transformative love.

c. Shepherding the Poor (Matthew 25:31-46)

In the powerful final judgment scene of Matthew 25, Jesus lays bare the criteria for His judgment, emphasizing that how we treat the least among us, by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned, directly reflects our treatment of Him. This passage serves as a blueprint for Pope Francis' profound concern for the poor and marginalized. Time and again, he revisits this scripture to urge bishops, clergy, and laity alike to confront their own indifference. He reminds us that such indifference is not benign; instead, it constitutes a grave sin. His stark warning, “You cannot serve both God and money,” resonates deeply, echoing Christ's challenge in the Gospel (Matthew 6:24), and invites the Church to introspect on whether it has become overly comfortable with wealth and privilege, neglecting those in dire need of compassion and care.

d. Apostolic Boldness (Acts 4:13)

After the miraculous healing of a man at the temple gate, Peter and John boldly proclaim the Gospel, prompting astonishment among the Sanhedrin, who recognize that these uneducated men have been imbued with a remarkable courage that speaks of their time with Jesus. The Greek term “parrhesia,” meaning boldness or unreserved speech, captures the essence of what Pope Francis calls for in the Church today. He consistently encourages the youth to “make a mess,” inspires pastors to “shake things up,” and urges all Catholics to resist the temptations of fear and timidity. This call for boldness is not mere rebellion for its own sake; rather, it is a call for apostolic courage rooted in the transformative fire of Pentecost. It embodies the willingness to speak truth with love, even at significant personal cost. While he may face accusations of creating confusion, it is clear that he follows in the footsteps of Christ, whose actions, such as overturning tables (John 2:15) and dining with sinners (Mark 2:15-17), challenged the established order and invited all to a radical encounter with grace. His theology is profoundly biblical, reflecting a deep commitment to living out the Gospel in ways that disrupt complacency and inspire authentic faith.

7. Tensions and Crosses: The Cost of Apostolic Courage

To embody the roles of a pastor, missionary, and Jesuit pope is to bear a range of heavy crosses, requiring immense fortitude and unwavering commitment.

Criticism from Within the Church:

Within the confines of the Church itself, the pope faces scrutiny and backlash. Some factions criticize him for allegedly diluting fundamental doctrine. They misunderstand that his outreach, driven by compassion and mercy, is fundamentally rooted in deep orthodoxy and long-standing Church traditions. His call for inclusivity, understanding, and love is often seen as a departure from doctrinal purity, leading to friction among traditionalists who prioritize rigid adherence to established teachings.

Secular Resistance:

Beyond the Church, he encounters significant opposition from secular entities. Environmentalists, for instance, may react negatively to the spiritual dimensions he weaves into his encyclical, Laudato Si, finding it at odds with their primarily scientific approach to ecological issues. Additionally, world leaders often feel challenged by his forthright critiques of rampant consumerism and the prevailing militaristic attitudes that foster conflict and exacerbate global inequalities. His insights compel them to confront uncomfortable truths, creating friction in dialogues that are often easier when they avoid religious undertones.

Despite this barrage of criticism from various fronts, he presses onward with a steadfast heart, unfaltering in his belief that the Church’s mission is not to seek popularity or widespread approval, but to remain faithful to its calling. This conviction resonates with powerful scriptural reminders:

“Woe to you when all speak well of you.” - Luke 6:26
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” - Matthew 10:38

CONCLUSION: A Pope Waging Peace

His papacy transcended mere maintenance of tradition; it represented a vigorous front-line effort to wage peace, promote mercy, and proclaim the truth of the Gospel. The pope’s mission unfolded in territories marked not only by spiritual famine but also by institutional stagnation and outright hostility from secular forces.

The pastoral, missionary, Jesuit pope positioned himself as a revolutionary figure in the name of Christ. He was not one to retreat from danger or shy away from difficult conversations; instead, he embraced the call to engage actively with the world’s challenges. Armed solely with faith, prayer, and an overflowing commitment to love, he sought to bring about transformation and healing within communities beset by despair and division. As he lived out this mission, he echoed the powerful affirmations found in Scripture, reiterating:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to bring good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.” - Luke 4:18

In this way, his papacy served as a courageous testament to the Church's role as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in an increasingly complex and often hostile world.