The Pope who shook the world awake

The pontificate of Francis was characterized by radical and contradictory elements. Franziskus saw himself as the "village priest of the world" and initially struggled to embrace the role of a global politician. His vivid language sometimes led to diplomatic tensions, particularly with the Western world, which he often criticized for decadence and hedonism. His distrust of free-market economics and libertarianism, coupled with an anti-American sentiment, shaped his views. In Europe, Franziskus remained an outsider, criticizing de-Christianization, humanitarian indifference, and economic injustice. He warned against populism and ideological uniformity, particularly in gender culture and abortion rights. His voice was especially influential on migration, where he tirelessly advocated for refugees' rights.

In international diplomacy, Franziskus had mixed successes. He underestimated the desire for freedom in Central and Eastern Europe and long avoided clearly condemning Russia in the Ukraine conflict, which weakened his credibility as a mediator. However, he achieved a remarkable rapprochement with the Islamic world, particularly through the Abu Dhabi document, which emphasizes mutual recognition of religious freedom. Franziskus' commitment to climate policy, especially through his encyclical "Laudato Si," placed the preservation of creation at the center of Catholic teaching. His clear words on climate policy resonated globally and supported sustainability efforts.

Overall, Franziskus leaves a complex legacy marked by his relentless advocacy for the poor and marginalized, as well as the challenges he faced in international diplomacy.

The full-length country report is only available in German.