Pope Francis was disruptive. Now, the next pope must clean up the 'mess'

As the first pope from the Americas—though of Italian immigrant parentage—Francis' election was historic. His call to "make a mess" in the Church led to debates and polarization.

As the Church prepares for its next chapter, the lessons of Pope Francis's papacy will undoubtedly shape its future trajectory. His legacy remains a work in progress, a testament to the evolving nature of the papal role in the modern world. Rev. Robert Sirico, author of The Economics of the Parables and of Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy, is co-founder and president emeritus of the Acton Institute.

It is, perhaps, best to first consider the role of the Petrine ministry in its historical context. Despite the widespread and immediate attention given papal homilies, allocutions, documents, and international visits, it is helpful to remember that, until recently, Catholics rarely heard from the pope directly. The idea of a hierarchy has, of course, been part of the Church’s self-understanding going back to the Apostles, but most of the actual governance has been carried out and implemented by local bishops and only, when clearly needed, by higher levels of ecclesial authority. Authentic "synodality" is more normatively seen at the local parish-level engagement and through subsidiarity, where needs are met by those closest to them. The contemporary micromanagement of the Church, at times right down to parish bulletins, is largely a phenomenon enabled by modern technology, the ease of travel, and instant communication.