Pope Francis – 3 years
March 13th 2016 marks the third anniversary of the accession of Cardinal Bergoglio to the
Papacy as Pope Francis.
His informal address to the assembled crowds in St. Peter’s Square on that historic evening
endeared him to the hearts of all Christians and people of good will.
He laid out his mission statement for the future of the Catholic Church on November 24 th
2013 in his inspirational letter ‘Evangelii Gaudium’.
In May 2015 another major development occurred with his issuing of his encyclical on the
future of our world, ‘Laudato Si’. Within a month of his election he set up The Council of
Cardinal Advisors and a year later the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Pope Francis has adopted a synodal approach in the implementation of his programme for
change exemplified by his calling of the Synod of the family in 2014 and 2015. His major
impact has been his emphasis on the social justice message of the Gospel taking the side of
the marginalised and the dispossessed of society.
However, many women are offended by his refusal to recognise their God-given equality
with men in the Church.
After three years of his pontificate we are still awaiting the practical implementation of his
vision as outlined in ‘Evangelii Gaudium’.
There is no doubt that he is receiving both subtle and open opposition as he attempts any
meaningful change both to Catholic Church structures and non- dogmatic doctrine. We call
on all Catholics especially those Vatican cardinals who are resisting change to support Pope
Francis.
The forthcoming publication on how he intends to implement the recommendations of the
2014/15 Synod of the family will undoubtedly be seen as the watershed of his Pontificate.
Brendan Butler, We are Church spokesperson.