Pope Francis & Benedict XVI: Key Differences & Legacy - Explained Now
How does the papacy of Pope Francis measure up against the legacy of his predecessors, particularly the contrasting figures of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI? The differences, both subtle and stark, reveal a papacy shaped by a unique historical context and a distinct vision for the Catholic Church. Much of the commentary, particularly on Monday, April 21st, has indeed focused on the ways Pope Francis approach has diverged from those of his predecessors, highlighting a deliberate effort to chart a new course.
It is, of course, natural to compare a pope to those who came before. The role itself, steeped in centuries of tradition and wielding considerable global influence, inevitably invites such scrutiny. The context surrounding Pope Francis's election was, in itself, extraordinary. On March 13, 2013, he succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who, in a move unprecedented in six centuries, had chosen to retire. This single act reshaped the landscape of the papacy, setting the stage for a pontificate unlike any other.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 28, 1992 |
| Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires | February 28, 1998 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Interesting Fact | First Jesuit Pope; First Pope from the Americas |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
Pope Francis himself recalls his early interactions with Benedict after his election. He shares intimate details of their first phone conversation and recounts their initial meeting at Castel Gandolfo on March 23, highlighting the respect and patience that characterized their relationship. He has said of Benedict, "He let me grow. The influence was not just about active guidance; it was also in the quiet space Benedict allowed. He was patient. And if he didn't agree with something, he would think three or four times before telling me. This mutual respect set a tone within the Vatican, a tacit understanding that helped define the new pontificate.
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, announced on February 11, 2013, and the subsequent election of Pope Francis, marked a pivotal moment in modern Catholic history. This transition, a complex series of events, involved procedures and traditions unique to the Vatican. For the first time in centuries, the Church was not just preparing for a new pontiff but navigating the presence of a retired one. This novel situation gave rise to a unique dynamic, which, as Benedict XVIs biographer Peter Seewald noted on the eve of the first anniversary of his death, has had a lasting impact on how the Vatican functions. The Vatican's internal "calculus" has demonstrably changed.
Pope Benedict XVIs eight-year papacy, from 2005 to 2013, was punctuated by significant challenges. One major issue was the ongoing fallout from the sexual abuse scandal that had begun to surface in the late 1990s, casting a long shadow over the Churchs credibility and prompting intense scrutiny of its handling of these cases. Further complicating the situation were internal Vatican politics and the pressures of navigating an increasingly secular world. These factors undoubtedly shaped Benedict's actions and decisions during his papacy.
The announcement of his resignation on February 11, 2013, stunned the world. It was a bold and unprecedented move, the first papal resignation since Gregory XII in 1415. As his health declined, the question naturally arose as to whether Pope Francis might also consider stepping down, particularly given the pressures of the papacy. This speculation gained further traction because of the precedent set by Benedict XVI, making it an unavoidable question.
The election of Pope Francis was a historic event, not only because of his eventual impact but also because of the unusual circumstances surrounding his election. The fact that the previous pope had resigned created a singular context, an environment in which the cardinals would choose a successor knowing there was already a living former pontiff.
On the morning of Pope Benedict XVI's funeral mass, Pope Francis presided. In his homily, he echoed the words, Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46). This act of faith, shared with the world, reflected the deeply spiritual nature of the moment and the profound respect Pope Francis held for his predecessor. The livestream of the funeral, available through the Vatican Media Center, underscores the Churchs commitment to sharing updates with a global audience.
Pope Francis paid tribute to his predecessor, former Pope Benedict XVI, on Thursday, in a funeral attended by tens of thousands of mourners at St. Peters Square. The event served as the first formal occasion since Benedict's passing. The presence of so many mourners reflected the profound impact Benedict had on the global Catholic community and the world at large. This was not merely a religious event, but a significant moment in history.
The passing of Benedict XVI has clearly altered the landscape. As Seewald observed, while Benedict was in his monastery, there was only one pope, Francis. But with Benedicts death, the dynamics have shifted, prompting reflection on the future and the interplay of legacy.
The current Pope has faced health challenges of his own. In July 2021, he was hospitalized for intestinal surgery at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. And more recently, in February 2025, balloons and candles were left by the faithful near the sculpture of St. John Paul II at the main entrance of the same hospital where Pope Francis was being treated for a double pneumonia. These events have further fueled discussion about the future leadership of the Church.
In 2013 and again in 2015, Pope Francis recommended Robert Hugh Bensons "Lord of the World" to the faithful. This book, a work of dystopian fiction, depicts a Church. This choice, viewed in the context of the papacies of both Benedict XVI and Francis, highlights a continuity of concern with the challenges of the modern world and the place of faith within it.
The circumstances surrounding Pope Benedict XVIs resignation are also being re-examined. Leaked emails, and the claims of some Catholic leaders, suggest that his resignation was not entirely voluntary. They argue that he was, in effect, pushed from office by a group within the Vaticanan event that some researchers are calling the Catholic Spring. This narrative raises questions about the internal politics of the Vatican and the forces at play in the succession of leadership.
Pope Francis, who was 88 at the time of the event, addressed the faithful on Easter Sunday. This demonstrates his continued commitment to the ministry despite his age. The 266th pope, Pope Francis, died after a lengthy battle with double pneumonia and other health issues.
