Pope Francis' Ten-Year Anniversary and the Transformation of Catholic Church

(MENAFN) On March 13th, 2021, Jorge Mario Bergoglio celebrated his ten-year anniversary as Pope Francis. In the decade since his election, he has initiated a remarkable transformation of the Catholic Church, both in its structure and in its approach to social and theological issues. One of the unique features of Pope Francis' papacy is his background as a Jesuit, a powerful religious order with a global presence that has often operated at the limits and frontiers of the Church. This Jesuit influence is evident in Pope Francis' approach to the papacy, as he thinks and acts like a Jesuit, according to Massimo Faggioli, a professor in the department of theology and religious studies at Villanova University.

The election of Pope Francis was also significant in that he was the first pope in nearly 1,300 years to be born outside of Europe. This fact has contributed to one of the most powerful messages of his papacy: a call for the Church to have a "listening, missionary spirit, capable of a healthy cultural cross-fertilisation." This message emphasizes the importance of dialogue and inclusivity, and reflects the Pope's commitment to a more open and diverse Church that can engage with the needs and concerns of people from all over the world. According to Angelo Manfredi, a priest and professor of Church history at the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences in Milan, this approach represents a significant departure from the Church's traditional Eurocentrism, and is helping the Church to change and grow as it walks with the people of the five continents.

Overall, Pope Francis' ten-year anniversary is a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, marking a period of significant change and transformation. As a Jesuit and the first pope from outside Europe in over a millennium, Pope Francis has brought a unique perspective to the papacy, emphasizing inclusivity, dialogue, and engagement with diverse cultures and peoples. His message of a "listening, missionary spirit" reflects a commitment to a more open and diverse Church that is capable of adapting to the changing needs and concerns of the world. As the Church continues to evolve under his leadership, it is likely that Pope Francis will continue to be a powerful force for transformation and renewal.

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