The Real Conclave: Legacy
The Divisive Legacy of Pope Francis
Note: The article is part of a series that is a work of fiction based on what happens when the Pope dies and how a Conclave works.
In our fictional scenario, Pope Francis is dead, but the divisions he fostered within the Church remain very much alive. His papacy, unlike any in recent history, was a revolution in both style and substance. In just over a decade, he dismantled long-standing traditions, altered the course of Church governance, and became a polarizing figure in Catholic history.
To his admirers, he was a champion of the marginalized, a reformer who sought to bring the Church closer to the modern world. To his critics, he was a destabilizing force—a pope who abandoned clarity, undermined doctrine, and left the Church weaker than he found it.
Now that he is gone, the ideological battle he ignited will determine the course of Catholicism. Will the next pope continue Francis’ revolution, or will he undo it?
Francis as a “Revolutionary Pope”
From the moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013, it was clear that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would not be a conventional pope. Unlike his predecessors, Benedict XVI and John Paul II, who upheld doctrinal clarity and theological precision, Francis pursued a pastoral, populist approach, often at the expense of traditional teachings.
His first symbolic gestures—refusing to wear the traditional papal mozetta, choosing to reside in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, and emphasizing "mercy over rules"—were widely praised. But beneath these humble appearances was a calculated shift in Church direction.
Under John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the Church maintained clear moral teachings, defending traditional values in an increasingly secular world. Under Francis, the Church blurred doctrinal lines in the name of pastoral sensitivity. Instead of reinforcing Catholic doctrine, he sought to open dialogue with those who questioned it. This was particularly evident in his handling of issues like Communion for the divorced and remarried, same-sex blessings, and interfaith relations.
His papacy also placed social justice concerns at the center of Vatican policy. Climate change, migrant rights, and global economic justice became central themes of his encyclicals and public statements. This shift thrilled progressives who believed the Church needed to modernize, but it disturbed conservatives, who saw it as a dangerous departure from Catholic tradition.
Under Francis, the question was no longer about how to defend Catholic teaching—it became about how much of it could be changed.
The Ideological Divisions He Created
Francis’ leadership fractured the Church in ways unseen since the Second Vatican Council. Progressives saw him as a necessary force for modernization, praising his willingness to embrace contemporary issues. They admired his emphasis on inclusivity, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ Catholics, divorced and remarried couples, and interfaith dialogue. His approach to governance also endeared him to liberal clergy, as he promoted decentralization, allowing bishops’ conferences more influence in decision-making rather than looking to Rome for every answer.
Conservatives, however, viewed him as a threat to the integrity of the faith. His refusal to provide clear doctrinal guidance on controversial issues created uncertainty, particularly regarding moral teachings. They accused him of weakening the Church’s authority, suppressing traditional practices, and aligning himself too closely with secular institutions. His harsh crackdown on the Traditional Latin Mass, reversing Benedict XVI’s efforts to restore it, was seen as a direct attack on Catholic tradition.
Instead of uniting the Church, Francis deepened the divide—empowering progressives while marginalizing conservatives. His papacy became an ideological battlefield, where bishops and cardinals were forced to choose sides.
The Scandals of His Papacy
Beyond theological debates, Francis' tenure was marked by scandals that exposed contradictions in his leadership.
One of the greatest stains on his legacy was his mishandling of clerical sex abuse cases. The most infamous example was the case of Theodore McCarrick, once one of the most powerful cardinals in the United States. McCarrick had long been suspected of abusing seminarians and minors. Reports show that Benedict XVI had placed restrictions on him, forbidding him from public ministry. Yet under Francis, those restrictions were lifted, allowing McCarrick to regain influence in Vatican diplomacy. Only after intense public outrage was he finally defrocked—but Francis never explained why he had allowed him to rise again.
At the same time, Francis was quick to punish conservative clerics, even on weak or baseless allegations, while shielding progressive figures accused of wrongdoing. Cardinal George Pell, an outspoken defender of tradition, was falsely accused of abuse and jailed in Australia before being acquitted. Meanwhile, Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, a personal friend of Francis accused of sexual abuse, was given a high-ranking Vatican position instead of facing discipline.
Another major scandal was Francis' secret deal with Communist China, allowing the regime to have a say in the appointment of Catholic bishops. For decades, the underground Catholic Church in China had suffered persecution for remaining loyal to Rome rather than submitting to the Chinese Communist Party. Many bishops had been arrested, tortured, or forced into hiding. Instead of defending them, Francis cut a deal with Beijing, recognizing government-appointed bishops and telling underground Catholics to submit to Communist rule. Cardinal Joseph Zen, the heroic bishop of Hong Kong, pleaded with Francis to stop the deal—but was ignored. Since then, China has only intensified its crackdown on Catholics, demonstrating the failure of Francis' diplomacy.
Financial corruption also plagued his papacy. Though elected in part to reform Vatican finances, Francis' tenure saw repeated scandals. The Vatican Bank remained mired in controversy, high-ranking officials were accused of embezzlement, and millions of euros disappeared in questionable property deals. Instead of ushering in transparency, the Vatican continued its legacy of hidden financial dealings.
His failure to confront Germany’s radical bishops was another crisis of his leadership. The German Synodal Path openly defied the Vatican, advocating for women priests, same-sex blessings, and democratic decision-making in Church doctrine. Francis issued weak warnings but took no meaningful action to stop them. His inaction emboldened liberal bishops worldwide while leaving faithful Catholics in Germany watching their Church drift toward schism.
How His Death Leaves the Church More Divided Than Ever
With Francis gone, the battle lines within the Church are clearer than ever. Progressive cardinals seek to ensure that his vision continues. Conservatives see his death as an opportunity for restoration.
The College of Cardinals, largely appointed by Francis, now faces a crucial decision. Will they elect another progressive who will carry on Francis’ legacy, further blurring doctrinal lines and prioritizing social activism? Or will they choose a traditionalist who will restore Catholic teaching, reinforce doctrine, and correct the errors of the past decade?
The answer will determine whether Catholicism remains faithful to its roots or continues down a path of radical transformation.
The conclave will soon begin.
And the fate of the Church hangs in the balance.