Theology of Pope Francis

Elected on 13 March 2013, Francis was the first member of the Society of Jesus to be appointed pope. He was also the first non-European to hold the office since Gregory III (r. 731–741). Francis described his papal name as pointing to what he wants to emulate in Saint Francis of Assisi: to have a poor church for the poor, to always go out to the margins, and to show concern for the natural environment.

Francis' papal motto, Miserando atque eligendo ("by having mercy and by choosing"), contained a central theme of his papacy, God's mercy, which led to conflict with some Catholics on issues such as the reception of Communion by remarried Catholics. In addressing real-life situations, Francis often appealed directly to his experience, in continuity with his synodal way, which shows a renewed emphasis on listening and dialogue. He also placed greater emphasis on church synods and on widespread consultation and dialogue, thus uplifting the roles of laypersons and of women in the Catholic church and criticizing clericalism.

Francis' concern for the poor was noted in his critiques of capitalism, his quite visible support of refugees and migrants, and his outreach to liberationist, anarchist, communist, socialist, and liberal movements in Latin America that were under a cloud during the papacy of John Paul II. Regarding his interpretation of the Doctrine of the Catholic Church, Francis stated that he considers himself to be conservative.

His apostolic exhortation, Evangelii gaudium (Joy of the Gospel), released eight months after his election, were described as programmatic and "a core document of this pontificate", which in his own words purports to point out "new paths for the Church's journey for years to come". He was also known for his "sharp and unscripted remarks".