On March 13, 2025, Pope Francis will celebrate his 12th anniversary as Supreme Pontiff, a period marked by profound changes in the Catholic Church. His papacy has witnessed a series of reforms in the Vatican, as well as the renewal of ecclesial structures. In these twelve years, Jorge Mario Bergoglio has left an indelible mark on both the Church and the world, standing out for his closeness to those most in need, his ecumenical approach, and his constant call for peace and social justice.

Church Renewal: A Call to Synodality

One of the most notable features of this pontificate has been a strong commitment to synodality, a concept that implies a journey together in the Church, in which all members, from the Pope to the laity, listen to and help one another. This approach has been reflected in the two Synods of Bishops on the Family, the Synod on the Amazon, and the synodal process currently underway around the world. Pope Francis has insisted on the need to listen to all the faithful, especially those who have been historically marginalized within the Church, such as women and Indigenous communities.

One of the most significant anecdotes in this area occurred at the Synod on the Family, held in 2015. During that event, the Pope surprised many by opening a dialogue on sensitive issues such as access to the Eucharist for divorced and remarried people, a topic that had been taboo in the Church for centuries. This demonstrated his willingness to address controversial issues with a pastoral approach of mercy and dialogue, rather than condemnation.

Mercy as a Central Axis

Pope Francis has placed mercy at the heart of his pontificate. His message of universal mercy has been manifested in many initiatives, such as the Holy Year of Mercy, which took place between 2015 and 2016. During this jubilee, the Pope invited Catholics to approach God without fear, to rediscover reconciliation, and to live forgiveness. In his homilies, he has repeatedly emphasized that no one is excluded from God’s love, not even those who have committed grave errors.

A revealing anecdote of this emphasis on mercy occurred in 2016, when the Pope publicly forgave a priest convicted of sexual abuse, a gesture that shocked the world. Francis explained that his decision was not meant to minimize the gravity of the acts committed, but rather to offer an opportunity for redemption to those who show genuine repentance.

Global Challenges and His Position on Politics

One of the greatest challenges Pope Francis has faced has been the global migration crisis. The Pope has been a staunch defender of migrant rights, challenging governments and world leaders not to close their doors to those fleeing war, poverty, and persecution. On several occasions, he has visited refugee camps and spoken out against immigration policies that dehumanize migrants.

One of the most emblematic images of this commitment occurred in 2016, when the Pope visited the Greek island of Lesbos, at the heart of the migration crisis. There, Francis embraced a group of refugees and brought three families with him back to the Vatican, sending a powerful message about the need to open our hearts and borders to welcome migrants.

Facing Internal Church Scandals

Pope Francis has also had to deal with serious sexual abuse scandals within the Church. Although he has taken firm measures to confront them, such as the creation of special Vatican tribunals and the expulsion of members of the Church guilty of abuse, his struggle has been constant. During his papacy, he has declared the importance of a “Church with open doors,” but also a Church that must assume responsibility for past mistakes.

One of the most difficult situations was the fight against abuse in Chile, where the Pope initially defended Bishop Juan Barros, accused of covering up abuse cases. However, after a review of the situation, Francis publicly apologized and accepted the resignations of several bishops, reflecting his willingness to acknowledge the mistakes made and change the clerical culture of cover-up.

Pope Francis and Youth: A Bridge to the Future

Pope Francis has been a great advocate for youth, always seeking to build a bridge between new generations and the Church’s tradition. In 2018, he convened the Synod of Youth, a historic gathering in which young people from around the world were able to express their concerns and expectations of the Church. This event was a clear reflection of his desire to build a Church that does not lag behind in its relationship with youth.

Over these 12 years, Pope Francis has left a profound mark on the Church, challenging traditional structures and opening new paths of dialogue, mercy, and justice. Facing global challenges, internal scandals, and political differences, his leadership has been key in leading the Church into a new era of reflection and renewal. His legacy will be remembered for his courage in addressing complex problems with compassion, and for his constant call for unity and love within the universal Church.

Exaudi has extensively covered these key moments, helping Catholics understand the context behind the gestures and decisions of this historic pontificate.

May God bless Pope Francis and all who follow his call to live in mercy and love.