Pope Francis has been the most controversial pope since Pius xii, who led the Catholic Church through World War ii.
Francis increased the profile of the Roman Catholic Church in many ways. Within months of becoming pope, he was arguably the most popular and loved man on Earth, the hope of millions, and Time magazine’s Person of the Year. The enthusiasm he brought to the church was called “the Francis Effect.”
Times have changed in the 12 years since Francis took office. In recent years, that luster had dimmed. Critics have complained that Francis liberalized the church and imposed his views on those reluctant to go along. The world has grown more dangerous and, in many ways, has shifted to the right politically. I wrote in our last issue, “I believe the changing time we live in will require a different pope. Pope Francis doesn’t quite fit the picture” (“A New Era Requires a New Pope”).
Pope Francis has been the most controversial pope since Pius xii, who led the Catholic Church through World War ii.
Francis increased the profile of the Roman Catholic Church in many ways. Within months of becoming pope, he was arguably the most popular and loved man on Earth, the hope of millions, and Time magazine’s Person of the Year. The enthusiasm he brought to the church was called “the Francis Effect.”
Times have changed in the 12 years since Francis took office. In recent years, that luster had dimmed. Critics have complained that Francis liberalized the church and imposed his views on those reluctant to go along. The world has grown more dangerous and, in many ways, has shifted to the right politically. I wrote in our last issue, “I believe the changing time we live in will require a different pope. Pope Francis doesn’t quite fit the picture” (“A New Era Requires a New Pope”).
Pope Francis has been the most controversial pope since Pius xii, who led the Catholic Church through World War ii.
Francis increased the profile of the Roman Catholic Church in many ways. Within months of becoming pope, he was arguably the most popular and loved man on Earth, the hope of millions, and Time magazine’s Person of the Year. The enthusiasm he brought to the church was called “the Francis Effect.”
Times have changed in the 12 years since Francis took office. In recent years, that luster had dimmed. Critics have complained that Francis liberalized the church and imposed his views on those reluctant to go along. The world has grown more dangerous and, in many ways, has shifted to the right politically. I wrote in our last issue, “I believe the changing time we live in will require a different pope. Pope Francis doesn’t quite fit the picture” (“A New Era Requires a New Pope”).
