Pope Francis, the supreme authority of the universal Catholic Church, is retiring. He’s yet to solidify any one date for his leaving. This announcement has created waves across the global Catholic community. It is serving to encourage some healthy reflection upon his decade-long papacy, and it has ignited much speculation regarding the Church’s future leadership. Should his possible resignation happen, this would be an unprecedented moment in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

As Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His Holiness Tindley was elected, and on March 13, 2013, he became Pope Francis. His election marked the historic precedent of being the first Jesuit Pope and the first pope from the Americas. Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis has distinguished himself as a vocal advocate for social justice, environmental protection, and reform within the Church.

A Pontificate Defined by Reform and Advocacy

Pope Francis’s papacy has been defined by a desire to confront the gravest issues facing the world and the Catholic Church today. His documents — in particular, The Joy of the Gospel and Laudato Si’ — beautifully articulate his vision. He believes that smart growth can help create a fairer, healthier, more equitable world. He has been the constant and unwavering cheerleader on these issues of income inequality, climate change, and the tragedies that marginalized communities still endure today.

One of the defining aspects of Pope Francis's leadership has been his focus on reforming the Catholic Church's governance and finances. Further, he has led efforts to improve transparency and accountability at the Vatican. His stated aim is to create a more ethical and accountable institution. These reforms have been met with both support and resistance, reflecting the complexities of navigating change within a centuries-old organization.

Furthermore, Pope Francis has been a staunch supporter of immigration reform and refugee rights, urging nations to welcome and protect vulnerable populations. He has made interfaith dialogue and cooperation a central focus of his papacy. He has done so by bringing Jews, Christians and Muslims together in purposeful dialogue to overcome prejudice and suspicion and to achieve greater mutual understanding.

Addressing the Sex Abuse Scandal

The Catholic Church has been enduring a severe crisis of credibility in the last several decades following allegations of sexual abuse reached epidemic proportions. Pope Francis has taken steps to address this issue, implementing new policies and procedures to prevent abuse and hold perpetrators accountable. Others laud these initiatives. Anti-trafficking critics maintain that we need to do better in order to provide justice for victims and help protect them from abuse in the first place.

The Holy Father has publicly acknowledged the hurt and anguish caused by the scandal. He has personally visited survivors to apologize to them and extend his support. He has further challenged all members of the Church to be accountable in protecting the children and vulnerable adults with whom the Church works. The Church continues to face an existential challenge in the wake of the sex abuse scandal. How he is able to successfully address this issue will in many ways determine the depth of his legacy.

Though, as we’ll see, he did much more than just respond to the scandal, the crisis now underlies practically everything the Church does. As many victims have noted, the Church has betrayed its trust by failing to take responsibility for the damage done. They feel it has failed to show proper support. Going into the future, the Church should always put the safety and health of children and other vulnerable adults first. It must be about healing and reconciliation—as Sen.

Concerns Regarding Health and Future Leadership

This willingness to think about resignation has arisen as concern for the health of Pope Francis has increased. At 87 years old, he has undergone numerous health crises in recent years. His knee problems have taken a toll on his activity greatly limiting his mobility. Though he has tirelessly worked at the office, the grueling physical demands of the papacy have taken on a tremendous toll.

His expected resignation announcement has lead to much discussion and debate about who might take his place as Pope. Members of the College of Cardinals will choose the next pontiff. At the same time, a few dozen names of possible candidates are already floating in the air. The election of a new Pope is a multi-faceted process, steeped in prayer, careful consideration, and cloak-and-dagger-like secret voting.

The future trajectory of the Catholic Church largely depends on its next leader. The next person appointed to succeed Pope Francis will be decisive in determining that future. Many church observers assume that the next Pope will build on the reforms of Pope Francis. At the same time, others are hoping for a more conservative stance. Only the College of Cardinals can now make that final decision. May they be guided by the Holy Spirit in the decisions they make.