Despite his distance from traditional centers of power, Pope Francis strengthened the Church’s role as a global mediator, a legacy now highlighted by the remarkable Trump-Zelensky encounter at his funeral.
Author: Franco Garelli
Franco Garelli is a sociologist, professor of Religions in the Globalized World and Sociology of Religion at the University of Turin. He is a regular contributor to the daily Italian newspaper La Stampa and the news and politics magazine Il Mulino as an expert on religious issues.
The Argentine-born pontiff appeared equal parts combative and caring, and apt to share parts of papal life long held secret by his predecessors. A look back on a of a pope who was more like you and me than bishops of Rome are thought to be — and who seemed to be just fine with it all.
A special meeting of Cardinals has reportedly been scheduled, though the Vatican denies that it is linked to any announcement of the 88-year-old pontiff stepping down. Still, others ask why the Pope hasn’t at least appeared from his hospital window. In both cases, the example of his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI hang over the question of resignation.