Francis: The Pope Who Shook the Walls of the Vatican

With bold gestures and unforgettable words, Pope Francis transformed the papacy with a progressive, compassionate and deeply human approach.

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has represented a historic shift for the Catholic Church. His Argentine roots, Jesuit identity and personal humility marked the beginning of a different kind of papacy. In contrast to a Church often seen as rigid and distant, he chose closeness, compassion and reform.

From the start, his progressive vision was clear. He broke tradition by refusing to live in the Apostolic Palace, opting instead for the modest Santa Marta residence. He abandoned the bulletproof popemobile, raised his voice on environmental issues before it became mainstream, and prioritised the excluded: migrants, prisoners, the poor and the LGBTQ+ community. Francis didn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics. He called for a “Church that goes forth” — one that gets its hands dirty and engages with the complexities of the modern world.

He openly distanced himself from conservative factions within the Vatican and refused to align with far-right political rhetoric. He criticised unbridled capitalism, the neglect of refugees, and narrow nationalism. As he once put it: “We cannot be salon Christians.”

These 10 quotes encapsulate his bold perspective:

1. “Who am I to judge?” – about gay individuals and priests seeking God sincerely.
2. “I prefer a Church that is bruised from going out to the streets than one that is sick from being closed in.” – encouraging believers to engage with real-world issues.
3. “Reality is better understood from the peripheries.” – stressing the importance of listening to the marginalised.
4. “Time is greater than space.” – emphasising long-term change over short-term control.
5. “God never tires of forgiving.” – highlighting mercy as central to Christian life.
6. “The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.” – a powerful wake-up call on climate crisis, from Laudato Si’.
7. “Mercy is the true face of love.” – urging forgiveness above judgement.
8. “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods.” – advocating a broader, more inclusive Church agenda.
9. “Clericalism is one of the greatest evils.” – condemning abuse of power within Church structures.
10. “Make a mess, go out!” – a rousing call to youth at World Youth Day in Brazil to shake things up.

Through his words and actions, Pope Francis made it clear that faith is not about rigidity — it’s about embracing others. His legacy will be that of a shepherd who made the Church smell like the people.