Published April 21, 2025
Jorge Bergoglio, better known to the world as Pope Francis, died Monday at 88. He now enters history to join his 265 predecessors. A conclave of senior counselors—the worldwide College of Cardinals—will choose his successor. In the meantime, it’s worth remembering that Roman pontiffs have always been a mixed crew. For believing Catholics, the pope is the bishop of Rome and successor of St. Peter, who was martyred in the imperial city. He is also pastor of the universal church, the “Holy Father,” a source of sound teaching, encouragement and unity for the faithful.
Such is the theory. The actual record is more complex. The church regards more than 80 of its former popes as saints—men of exceptional holiness, leadership and service. The list of genuinely bad popes is small. Most popes have been adequate men by the standards of their faith and the conditions of their time. They do their best and are soon forgotten. Where Francis will fit in the Catholic memory is unclear.
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Francis X. Maier is a Senior Fellow in the Catholic Studies Program at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Mr. Maier’s work focuses on the intersection of Christian faith, culture, and public life, with special attention to lay formation and action.
