Pope Francis, then Cardinal Bergoglio, spoke in 2013, emphasizing that the Church should venture towards the margins, not just geographically, but also in terms of existence.
In the heat before the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, Argentina's Archbishop of Buenos Aires, delivered a speech that left an indelible mark on his eventual papacy as Pope Francis. With a concise yet powerful tone, he set the stage for the journey ahead, outlining key themes that would come to define his pontificate (2013-2025).
One of the cornerstones of his speech was the importance of evangelizing - not as an obligation or a rigid ritual, but as a source of pure joy and comfort. Jesus Christ, he emphasized, is the one who drives us forward from within.
This theme of evangelical joy echoed the sentiments of Pope VI and marked a significant shift in focus towards an outward-looking Church. Bergoglio's vision extended beyond traditional boundaries and called for a Church that actively engages with the world, especially its marginalized populations.
Beyond evangelization, Bergoglio also addressed the need for reform and a clean break from the corruption and scandals that plagued the Church. His call for a Church that moved beyond mere self-serving aspirations towards one rooted in service and humility was a bold and necessary intervention.
In essence, Bergoglio envisioned a Church that was not a monarchy, but a pastoral entity where the pope led by example and served the people. This spirit of service and pastoral leadership is currently being cultivated during the general congregations, paving the way for the upcoming conclave set to begin on May 7, to elect the successor to the Argentine pontiff.
While Bergoglio's speech set the tone for his papacy, it was his actions and initiatives that truly solidified his legacy. From his focus on addressing environmental concerns with the encyclical "Laudato Si'," to his dedication to social justice, and his commitment to dialogue and fraternity through the "Document on Human Fraternity," Pope Francis has consistently championed a Church that reaches out to the world, prioritizing mission and compassion over dogma and isolation.
In light of the upcoming conclave in 2025, the potential for Pope Francis's successor to embody the evangelical joy, reform, and pastoral leadership he instilled during his papacy is a significant consideration. As Bergogio's speech in Buenos Aires in 2013 highlighted, a focus on finance and business should not overshadow the Church's commitment to be a beacon of service and humility, especially in its interactions with the marginalized. Additionally, his interventions on global issues such as climate change and social justice have set a precedent for future popes, demonstrating that the Church can and should engage in relevant 21st-century conversations.
