Opinion | Pope Francis Brought Progressives Optimism, but Not Long-Lasting Changes
Briefly

Pope Francis will likely be judged by history as a missed opportunity for reform by many progressives. While he introduced a more compassionate tone towards issues like sexuality and divorce, his cautious approach hindered significant changes. For instance, despite advocating for modernizing the church, he has maintained traditional doctrines, ruling out the ordination of women and failing to implement critical bishops' recommendations. His legacy reflects a tension between desired transformation and the reality of conservative continuity, especially as many of his decisions can be easily overturned by future leaders.
Although Pope Francis changed the Vatican's tone towards mercy and humility, his papacy's revolutionary potential has largely gone unrealized, leaving many reform-minded Catholics disappointed.
Francis's initiatives, such as allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, could easily be reversed, indicating a cautious approach rather than a lasting reform.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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