Pope Francis: Latest News & Insights | Explore & Understand

Is the papacy of Francis a harbinger of change, or a sign of the times? Pope Francis has undeniably left his mark on the Catholic Church, sparking both fervent support and pointed criticism. His papacy, from the beginning, has been a study in contrasts, a whirlwind of pronouncements, actions, and symbolic gestures that have challenged established norms and ignited debate across the globe.

On December 21, 2022, at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, Pope Francis addressed the weekly general audience. This event, a regular fixture in the papal calendar, offered a window into his ongoing reflections on faith, doctrine, and the challenges facing the Church in the modern world. The image of the Pope, speaking to the faithful, a familiar scene, yet always imbued with the potential for the unexpected, for a word or gesture that might ripple outwards, influencing the lives of millions. Getty Images captured the Pope, a visual record of a moment that, like all such moments, became part of the ongoing story of the Church.