Pope Francis & Benedict XVI: A Legacy Of Contrast & Continuity - Explained
How does one truly measure the impact of a pontiff? The papacy of Pope Francis, and the reflection upon it following his death, has underscored a profound shift in the modern Catholic Church, a period marked by both continuity and significant departure from his predecessors, particularly Pope Benedict XVI. This assessment is not merely about the individual, but the evolving institution they embody.
Much of the commentary on Pope Francis's legacy, especially in the days following April 21st, focused on the ways in which his pontificate differed from those of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. It is, after all, only natural to compare a pope to those who came before him. His election in 2013, following the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, cemented a turning point in modern Catholic history. This transition itself was a complex affair, steeped in traditions and procedures unique to the Vatican. Before his election, Pope Francis then recalls his first phone conversation with Benedict after his election, and reveals fascinating details about his first meeting with Benedict at Castel Gandolfo on March 23, 2013.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | December 31, 2022, in Vatican City |
| Previous Positions | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal (2001-2013) |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Successor | No successor (as of current date) |
| Notable Actions and Teachings | Emphasis on mercy, social justice, and environmental protection; Reform of Vatican finances; Outreach to marginalized groups; Laudato Si' encyclical; Support for dialogue among religions |
| Key Writings | Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si', Fratelli Tutti |
| Interesting Fact | He is the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. |
| Reference Website | Vatican Website |
He let me grow, Pope Francis explained, reflecting on his relationship with Benedict XVI. He was patient. And if he didn't agree with something, he would think three or four times before telling me. This perspective reveals a dynamic of respect and deference, a crucial element in understanding the transition and the subsequent relationship between the two pontiffs. On March 13, 2013, Francis succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who had made the groundbreaking decision to retire, becoming the first pope to do so in six centuries. Francis thus became the 266th occupant of the papacy, an institution with roots stretching back to St. Peter.
The photograph of Pope Francis embracing Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, taken at the Vatican on June 28, 2017, is a poignant visual representation of this unique period in history. It captured the rare instance of two living popes, a situation that naturally led to scrutiny and comparison. The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the subsequent election of Pope Francis marked a pivotal moment in modern Catholic history. This transition involved complex procedures and traditions unique to the Vatican. On February 11, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world by announcing his resignation, a move that resonated deeply throughout the global Church. The world was stunned when he announced his resignation in 2013, the first in 600 years.
This historical precedent of a popes retirement, after nearly six centuries, led to speculation, particularly as Pope Franciss health became a concern. The two men, Pope Francis and Pope Benedict, were a unique case, two living popes at the same time. Their differing viewpoints generated a divide within the Roman Catholic Church. The election of Pope Francis was unique because the Pope who preceded him resigned from the papacy. Pope Benedict XVI served as Pope for eight years, from 2005 through 2013. The passing of Pope Francis sparked reflection, not just on his papacy, but also on that of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. While the death of Francis was met with generally positive reactions, with a majority of U.S. adults viewing him favorably, Benedicts legacy remains a more contentious subject. Much of the coverage of Pope Francis' legacy on Monday, April 21st, focused on how he diverged from his predecessors, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. It's only natural to compare a pope to those who came before him.
Pope Francis was elected in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Jesuit and Latin American Pope. Francis was also the first Pope from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere. Benedict XVI was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years, and for almost a decade, the Vatican Gardens provided a setting for his quiet life. Pope Francis was chosen in March 2013, several weeks after Pope Benedict XVI resigned, a move he attributed to his advanced age and waning health. His election was unique, given the unprecedented resignation of his predecessor. This morning, Pope Francis presided over the funeral mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The livestream is part of the Vatican Media Centers efforts to share the latest updates on Pope Francis, the Holy See, and the Church worldwide with a global audience. Benedict XVI served as Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. His papacy faced several challenges, including the fallout from the sex abuse scandals that began in the late 1990s. He became the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII in 1415.
Pope Francis paid tribute to his predecessor, former Pope Benedict XVI, in a funeral attended by thousands of mourners at St. Peter's Square. The event marked a historic occasion. On the eve of the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVIs death, his biographer raised concerns about how Pope Francis is managing the legacy of his predecessor. The presence of Benedict in his monastery meant that for a time, there was only one pope, Francis. However, after Benedicts death, the dynamics within the Vatican have clearly shifted. The speculation about Francis's health and potential retirement gained more traction given his predecessor's resignation in 2013. Balloons and candles were left by the faithful at the Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital, where Pope Francis was being treated for double pneumonia in February 2025. The Vatican Media Centers livestream provides updates on the Pope, the Holy See, and the Church globally. Pope Francis recommended Robert Hugh Bensons Lord of the World to the faithful in 2013 and again in 2015, a book that portrays a church.
The passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pope, followed a protracted struggle with double pneumonia and other health ailments. Pope Francis, who was 88 years old, addressed the faithful on Easter Sunday. The challenges of his papacy included navigating the Church through a period of significant global upheaval, addressing the ongoing fallout from the clergy sex abuse scandals, and implementing his vision for a more inclusive and pastoral Church. The ways in which he approached these challenges, and the controversies they sparked, will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come, solidifying his place in history.
The legacy of Pope Francis cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the context of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Their contrasting approaches and the dynamics of their relationship, as well as the unprecedented situation of two living popes, have fundamentally shaped the trajectory of the Church in the 21st century. The weight of historical precedent, the complexities of tradition, and the personal dimensions of their respective pontificates all contribute to a narrative that is both compelling and complex. The impact of Pope Francis extends far beyond the walls of the Vatican, influencing global discourse on faith, social justice, and the role of the Church in a rapidly changing world.
