By The book compiles essays by 21 authors on the pastoral, political, spiritual, and ecological imprint that Pope Francis left on the Church and on society.
With the aim of keeping alive the pastoral, spiritual, and social legacy of Pope Francis, the free book “Legado de Francisco a la Iglesia y a la Vida Religiosa” (“Legacy of Francis to the Church and to Religious Life”) is now available online. The book consists of essays written by academics and religious from various parts of Latin America and is entirely in Spanish except for an essay on Amazonia written in Portuguese.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Men and Women Religious (CLAR, by its Spanish acronym) in the context of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations held on April 26, just a few days after the first anniversary of the death of the Argentine pontiff, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
In the introduction, Father Israel Arévalo Muñoz, deputy secretary of CLAR, explains that the volume brings together diverse perspectives on “the pastoral, political, spiritual, and ecological imprint that Pope Francis has left on the Church and on society.”
The content is divided into four sections: “Spirituality and New Humanism,” “Theological-Pastoral Horizons,” “Francis’ Challenges to Religious Life,” and “Francis and the World’s Socio-Environmental and Political Challenges.”
Twenty-one authors from diverse ecclesial and academic backgrounds collaborated on the work, including laypeople, women religious, and priests from congregations and institutes such as the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, the Society of Jesus, and the Order of Preachers, among others. The prologue was written by Cardinal Ángel Rossi, SJ, archbishop of Córdoba, Argentina, who is considered a “spiritual son” of Francis.
Arévalo notes that one of the central themes of the text is to demonstrate that Pope Francis’ leadership was grounded “in prayer, listening to the Spirit, and the conviction that the Gospel must once again become the center of ecclesial life.”
He also notes that the Holy Father championed a “profound ecclesial reform, grounded in transparency, co-responsibility, and pastoral conversion.”
Regarding his style of evangelization, the priest highlights that it was distinguished by “closeness, service, simplicity, and a commitment to the poor and marginalized” as well as by promoting a Church that is “Samaritan, missionary, and present in the geographical, social, and existential peripheries.”
In this regard, the deputy secretary of CLAR expressed his hope that the book would inspire civil society, the Church, and religious life to “embody a coherent, prophetic, and compassionate leadership” and motivate Catholics to work toward “a culture of encounter, interreligious dialogue, respect for diversity, and the pursuit of unity amid differences.”
The book can be downloaded free of charge here.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Seems that there is a recent trend in some EWTN articles that participates in what Cardinal Ratzinger called the “Dictatorship of Relativism” …..
In the light of what seems to be a largely ubiquitous (especially on CWR) recognition of the shortcomings of the Francis papacy (gaslighting, retribution, politicization) to promote this “legacy” of Pope Francis is disappointing and confusing. It is especially difficult to understand this new trend on EWTN articles in light of the courage and faithfulness of Mother Angelica who stated “You can’t be afraid to be a thorn in someone’s side when necessary. We are to teach the truth of Christ and his bride and are never to water the message down”
Her clarity in times of confusion was certainly a beacon of hope. It seems that there are not many today directing us to the narrow gate. The narrow gate involves repentance, self-denial, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus, rather than following worldly wisdom, pride, or convenience. In the light of advice from so many ravenous wolves,
(Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves) let us beg God for the grace to continue on the way to the narrow gate ourselves and to guide our families and those around us on the same path.
Cardinal Ratzinger…
“Today, having a clear faith based on the Creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, that is, letting oneself be “tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine”, seems the only attitude that can cope with modern times. We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one’s own ego and desires.”
Thank you for saying what needs to be said. You have saved me from a protracted penance. You kinder than I would have been.
God reward you.
In his own words Francis left “a mess”. No need to expand on his reign of error anymore.
May God have mercy on Benedict’s soul for abandoning us to that dour, intemperate man. He should have buried him in some archive.
Just what I was waiting for – a book on Francis’ teachings 🙂
Actually, I’d prefer remaing a Faithful Catholic.
I’d like to recommend another book on Pope Francis’ theological statements. It’s called “The Disastrous Pontificate.”
It’s in English & is published by Os Justi Press.
It systematically delves into the past 12 years & all the problematic statements & policies must be corrected for the good of the faithful.
It’s not a bunch of emotional essays like the featured book. We need to actually evaluate what just happened through a solidly Catholic lens. May he rest in peace.