Pope Francis has faced controversy and criticism during his tenure, including backlash for initially defending Chilean Bishop Juan Barros against accusations of turning a blind eye to abuse. However, he later apologized for his mistakes. Despite facing opposition from conservative critics, Francis has focused on modernizing the church and advocating for marginalized groups and mercy. Born in Argentina to Italian immigrant parents, Francis became the first pope from the Americas. He has emphasized servant leadership and caring for the most vulnerable, embodying the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis has traveled extensively and spoken out against economic injustice and in support of migrants. He has also condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and called for negotiations to end the war. While facing some missteps on the international stage, Francis has also worked to bring attention to the suffering of people affected by conflicts and to promote peace and humanitarian aid.
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Pope Francis’ lasting impact on Catholic Church reforms
