EXPERT Q&A
As the globe reflects on the impact of Pope Francis, the inaugural Latin American pontiff, his insights on migration, economic equity, and harmony remain significantly relevant amidst increasing political disparities.
Silvia Pedraza, a scholar of sociology and American culture at the University of Michigan who observed Pope Francis in Rome and in Washington, D.C., delves into how his tenure as the first Latin American pope addressed anti-immigrant discourse and redefined the church’s global role, altering expectations surrounding social justice and migrant rights.
How did his papacy resonate among Latin American Catholics compared to others—especially on topics like migration, poverty, or social equity?
I genuinely believe that the populace in Latin America and the Global South warmly embraced Pope Francis’ empathy for the impoverished, the immigrant, and the marginalized. Undeniably, some conservative Catholics felt he overstepped, disregarding doctrine or significant matters such as abortion and homosexuality. However, even they valued his humility, simplicity, and consideration for those marginalized in society.
During his address in Washington, D.C., in September 2015, I heard him deliver a remarkable speech highlighting several notable American public figures—President Abraham Lincoln, Rev. Martin Luther King, social activist Dorothy Day, and priest Thomas Merton—discussing their contributions throughout history to American life at pivotal moments. He reminded the attendees in Congress that they all descend from immigrant families.
Pope Francis labeled Trump’s border wall ‘not Christian’ and engaged with nationalist leaders. Did this reshape the Vatican’s political influence? And could a future pope reverse this course?
He is the inaugural Latin American pope, the first Jesuit, and the first not extremely conservative. Nevertheless, he seemed to lack a complete understanding of individuals from communist nations like Cuba, a contrast to Pope John Paul II, who comprehended the situation in Poland during its communist transition.
Regarding future transitions, I ponder whether the Cardinals will choose another candidate from the Global South or revert to a European, predominantly conservative Pope. Time will tell. The Catholic Church’s significance today is greater in the Global South than in the Global North.
Pope Francis characterized unregulated capitalism as ‘a new tyranny‘ and emphasized poverty alleviation—a striking contrast to Benedict XVI’s focus on doctrine. Did this transition alienate conservative Catholics while drawing in new adherents?
There is no doubt that Pope Francis regarded “unregulated capitalism” as a significant issue. He articulated his disapproval regarding Trump’s initiatives to deport undocumented migrants, stating that “Nothing good will come of that.” During his speech in Rome last July, he concentrated on human trafficking, the drug trade, and the vulnerability experienced by those ensnared in these dire circumstances. Ultimately, in his concluding remarks, he urged prayers not just for the victims of trafficking but also for the traffickers themselves. His ability to express compassion was extraordinary.