In the days following his death, Pope Francis has been recognized as a reformer, influencer, and modernizer, while also serving as a steward of the Roman Catholic Church’s longstanding doctrines. This duality is exemplified in one of his last writings, a foreword to a book for young Catholics about the church’s teachings on love and marriage, which has not been publicly released before.
The book is published by the YOUCAT Foundation, an organization sanctioned by the Vatican to make church teachings accessible to youth in 70 languages globally. In the foreword, Francis emphasizes that marriage is a sacred commitment strictly between a man and a woman, reinforcing traditional church doctrine without introducing new theological concepts.
Raúl Zegarra, a professor of Catholicism at Harvard, described the foreword as a "confirmation of a legacy," highlighting its significance in understanding Francis’ papacy.
Francis’ rhetorical style is evident in the foreword's opening lines, where he references the tango, a dance from his native Argentina, to illustrate the discipline and beauty of marriage. He expresses admiration for young couples willing to commit to lifelong love, thus underscoring the church's view on the sanctity of marriage with a personal touch.
Throughout his papacy, Francis utilized symbols and metaphors to convey spiritual lessons, enhancing his relatability compared to his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. His accessible commentary was noted as visual and tactile, making complex ideas easier to understand for a broader audience.
Memorialized as "the people’s pope," Francis focused on the harsh realities of life, addressing issues like poverty and suffering. His foreword reflects this connection to reality, acknowledging the challenges of marriage today, including high divorce rates. He personalized the message by recognizing that many may have experienced marriage difficulties, thus showing empathy for individual circumstances.
Francis’ background as a parish priest and urban bishop informed his understanding of the struggles individuals face in adhering to church teachings. While maintaining traditional doctrine, he sought to find ways to include those often marginalized by it. Early in his papacy, he broke with tradition by marrying couples, including those with prior relationships, and later allowed divorced and remarried Catholics to receive communion.
As Francis has passed, the YOUCAT Foundation will assign the task of including his letter in the book for youth on love to the incoming pope. The document not only encapsulates his style but also reflects his key policies, referencing his 2016 apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia,” which called for greater inclusivity in the church.
For some, the letter will reinforce Francis’ legacy of love, while for others, it may highlight the limitations in evolving church doctrine. Additionally, it may be considered by the committee assessing his potential canonization, which examines all of his writings.
In his final appeal, Francis encourages readers to believe in love and the possibility of lifelong commitment, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and the fulfillment that comes from entering into a union.