EXPERT Q&A
Pope Francis, as the first Latin American pope, has left a significant impact on global issues such as migration and economic justice. With increasing political divides, his leadership and focus on social justice continue to resonate worldwide. Silvia Pedraza, a sociology professor at the University of Michigan, discusses how his papacy redefined the Catholic Church’s role in advocating for migrant rights and social justice.
How did his papacy resonate among Latin American Catholics compared to others—especially on issues like migration, poverty or social justice?
Pope Francis’ emphasis on the marginalized, the poor, and immigrants was widely appreciated in Latin America and the Global South. While some conservative Catholics criticized him for overlooking traditional doctrines, his humility and simplicity were admired. His notable speech in Washington, D.C. in 2015 highlighted key American leaders and reminded Congress of their immigrant roots.
Pope Francis called Trump’s border wall ‘not Christian’ and clashed with nationalist leaders. Did this redefine the Vatican’s political role? And could the next pope reverse this approach?
As the first Jesuit and non-ultra-conservative pope, Francis’ stance on global issues has been distinct. Unlike Pope John Paul II, he struggled to connect with people from communist backgrounds. The future direction of the Vatican remains uncertain, with speculation about whether the next pope will hail from the Global South or be a conservative European. The Catholic Church’s influence is now more pronounced in the Global South.
Pope Francis called unfettered capitalism ‘a new tyranny’ and prioritized poverty relief—a stark contrast to Benedict XVI’s focus on doctrine. Did this shift alienate conservative Catholics while attracting new followers?
Pope Francis criticized “unfettered capitalism” and opposed policies like Trump’s deportation efforts. His speeches, including one in Rome, addressed human trafficking and the drug trade, urging compassion for both victims and perpetrators. This approach showcased his immense humanity and may have attracted followers despite alienating some conservatives.
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