WOF 488: The Legacy of Pope Francis

WOF 488: The Legacy of Pope Francis

Author: Bishop Robert Barron May 5, 2025 Duration: 35:59

Pope Francis passed away at the age of eighty-eight on Easter Monday. He was the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to take the name "Francis," after St. Francis of Assisi. What stood out in his twelve-year pontificate? How does his papacy compare with those of his immediate predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope St. John Paul II? What should we continue to champion from Francis' legacy as the Church charts her course into the future? Today we discuss Pope Francis' influence on both the Church and the world.

A listener asks how to deal with regret from the past. 

00:00 | Introduction
01:21 | Meeting Pope Francis
04:33 | Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI
06:36 | Pope Francis as first Latin-American pope
08:10 | Pope Francis as first Jesuit pope
10:22 | Pope Francis as first to be called "Francis"
11:09 | Master of the beau geste
13:36 | The Church as "field hospital"
15:16 | Resisting a "technocratic mindset"
19:01 | Clarifying the "universal designation of goods"
21:24 | Understanding the "two popes"
26:11 | Concerns about Francis's papacy
29:37 | Pope Francis's perception of the American church
32:25 | Honoring Pope Francis's legacy
33:50 | Listener question: How do I let go of regrets?
35:24 | Join the Word on Fire Institute


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Each week, The Word on Fire Show-Catholic Faith and Culture offers a thoughtful conversation with Bishop Robert Barron. This podcast explores the rich intersection of belief with contemporary life, examining everything from art and philosophy to current events and personal spirituality through a Catholic lens. Listeners will find deep dives into theological concepts, reflections on scripture, and discussions on how ancient wisdom addresses modern challenges. The tone is engaging and accessible, designed for anyone curious about the deeper questions, whether they are longtime in their faith or simply exploring. Bishop Barron brings his distinctive perspective as a theologian and communicator to these dialogues, making complex ideas relatable. It’s a space for meaningful exploration, where faith is presented as a compelling force for understanding our world and our place within it. New episodes arrive weekly, continuing a long-running series of insightful commentary and analysis.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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