Pope Francis has been spiritual leader of the Catholic Church since 2013. The name he chose as Pope refers to St Francis of Assisi. He set out to reform the Vatican; he advocated climate protection and inter-religious dialogue.
In March 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina was elected 266th Pope, the first South American to become spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. He set out to reform the Vatican and the papal office, advocated climate protection and inter-religious dialogue. The name he chose toi be known by refers to St Francis of Assisi. Following “the little poor man’s” example, Bergoglio wanted a “poor church for the poor”.
In memory of Pope Francis, Deutsche Welle is rebroadcasting the feature “Pope Francis — A Shepherd in the Storm.” On the occasion of the Pope’s 85th birthday in December 2021 our report was an opportunity to take stock of his pontificate. What was this Pope able to change and reform; where were his limits? How did he lead the Catholic faith community through a time marked by crises and scandals? We gave people who knew Pope Francis personally, priests who advised him or were critical of his initiatives, and of course the Catholic laity, with their hopes and belief in a just pope, the opportunity to share their image of Pope Francis.
