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The contradictory legacy left by Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the first ever South American pontiff who died on Monday aged 88, leaves behind him a mixed and contradictory legacy. He notably took up the cause of migrants, championed environmentalism and denounced the unfettered pursuit of wealth as the 'dung of the devil'. But he also fiercely opposed abortion, condemned homosexuality and leaves a controversial record on tackling sexual abuse by the clergy. Mediapart co-editor Lénaïg Bredoux looks back at the highs and lows of his 12 years as head of the Catholic Church.

Lénaïg Bredoux

22 April 2025 à 20h41

The election of Pope Francis in 2013 was unanimously welcomed by progressists, but after his passing on April 21st, the assessment of his time as head of the Catholic Church is a mixed one. As the process of his succession begins, there are fears of a new offensive from the most reactionary among the clergy.

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