By Sian Wilkerson

In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina became the first Latin American pope elected in the Catholic Church’s history. Now, following Pope Francis’ death on April 21 at 88, Virginia Commonwealth University religious studies professor R. Andrew Chesnut reflected on the pontiff’s emerging legacy.

“Ultimately, Francis’ pontificate will be remembered as a bridge between tradition and modernity, championing a faith that prioritizes compassion over condemnation,” said Chesnut, Ph.D., the Bishop Walter Sullivan Chair in Catholic Studies and professor in the School of World Studies in VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences.

Chesnut spoke with VCU News about the pope’s defining efforts and where the Catholic Church may go after him.

What is most distinctive about Francis’ tenure?

Pope Francis’ legacy will be defined by his commitment to a more inclusive and merciful Catholic Church, particularly through his emphasis on social justice and outreach to the marginalized. His papacy has been marked by an unprecedented focus on economic inequality, environmental stewardship — as seen in Laudato Si’ [his encyclical, or letter, published in 2015] – and a call for global solidarity in addressing climate change.

Unlike his predecessors, he has softened the church’s stance on divisive social issues, promoting pastoral care over doctrinal rigidity, which has endeared him to progressive Catholics but drawn criticism from traditionalists. His efforts to reform the Vatican’s financial structures and address clerical abuse scandals, though met with resistance, reflect his broader mission to enhance transparency and accountability within the church.

You’ve noted how Francis’ election indicated a new focus on the global south for the church. What are the results?

Despite Pope Francis’ deep cultural and spiritual connection to his native Latin America, which is home to 39% of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, he has been unable to stem the rapid decline of Catholicism in a region where Pentecostalism, alternative religious movements and secularism continue to gain ground.

His emphasis on social justice and economic inequality resonates with many, but it has not matched the strong appeal of Pentecostal churches, which offer a more personal, charismatic faith experience focused on the here and now. Additionally, longstanding scandals involving clerical sexual abuse and corruption have further eroded trust in the Catholic Church, particularly among younger generations disillusioned with institutional religion.

While Francis has revitalized Catholic social teaching, his reforms have not been enough to counter the growing competition from Pentecostalism and the rising tide of the Religious Nones in his homeland. That he never made an official trip to his homeland of Argentina, where the church has lost many members under his watch, is emblematic of his failure to revitalize the faith in Latin America.

Where do you see the Catholic Church going from here?

Possibly presided over by the first African pope, the Catholic Church will likely move in a more traditionalist direction after Pope Francis – emphasizing doctrinal orthodoxy, reinforcing teachings on issues like sexuality, marriage and priestly celibacy.

A conservative successor could roll back Francis’ pastoral flexibility, prioritizing strict adherence to moral theology over the inclusive tone that has defined the current papacy. This shift would energize traditionalist Catholics, particularly in regions like the United States and parts of Europe, but risks alienating the younger, more progressive faithful who have embraced Francis’ emphasis on mercy and social justice.

The church’s engagement with pressing global issues, such as climate change and economic inequality, could also take a backseat to a renewed focus on evangelization and internal discipline. A return to a more rigid ecclesial structure may consolidate conservative Catholicism’s influence, but it could also accelerate the church’s struggles with declining membership and cultural relevance in an increasingly secular world.