Pope Francis dies at 88: Where did he stand on key issues like abortion, LGBTQ rights?

Pope Francis, known for his dynamic reforms that deeply inspired many Catholics while stirring unease among traditionalists, passed away at the age of 88. The Argentine pope, who has led the Catholic Church since March 2013, had been hospitalized for 38 days due to severe pneumonia. Throughout his papacy, Francis reshaped Church teachings on issues like.

The death penalty and nuclear arms, maintained conservative positions on topics such as abortion, and worked to build bridges with Muslims and other communities that had often felt excluded by the Church. Pope Francis upheld the Church’s traditional stance against abortion, calling it part of a broader “throwaway culture” and even comparing it to hiring a hitman.

He granted regular priests the authority to forgive sin, a shift from past practice where only bishops could do so. He rejected efforts by U.S. bishops to bar President Joe Biden from receiving Communion due to his support for abortion rights, asserting that clergy should act as spiritual guides rather than political enforcers.

Francis’s papacy was marred by the sexual abuse crisis, particularly after he initially dismissed Chilean victims’ claims. He apologised in person and pressured the Chilean bishops to resign. He also reformed Church laws to remove pontifical secrecy and establish procedures for uphold doctrinal teachings while embracing a more pastoral and inclusive approach to complex social issues holding bishops accountable.

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, leaves behind a complex legacy marked by efforts to modernize the Catholic Church while upholding certain traditional doctrines. His stances on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights exemplify this nuanced approach.​

Abortion: Upholding Tradition with Compassion

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis maintained the Church’s traditional opposition to abortion, consistently affirming the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. In his 2025 New Year’s Day message, he called for a “firm commitment” to protect life, emphasizing the need to reject abortion . He often described abortion as a grave moral wrong, once likening abortion providers to “hitmen” and labeling abortion laws as “homicidal.

Despite his firm stance, Francis adopted a more pastoral tone than some predecessors. He As the Church moves forward, Francis’s legacy will continue to influence discussions on how to emphasized offering spiritual support to women who had undergone abortions and allowed priests to absolve them, highlighting the importance of mercy and reconciliation.

LGBTQ+ Rights: A Pastoral Shift Without Doctrinal Change

Pope Francis’s approach to LGBTQ+ issues marked a significant shift in tone for the Catholic Church. While he upheld the Church’s teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, he expressed support for civil unions as a means to provide legal protections for same-sex couples.

In 2013, he famously stated, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests, signaling a more inclusive attitude . Under his leadership, the Vatican approved blessings for same-sex couples, a move that aimed to make the Church more welcoming while maintaining its doctrinal stance on marriage.

Francis also took steps to include transgender individuals in the Church, permitting them to be baptized and serve as godparents . However, he remained critical of gender theory and to provide legal protections for same-sex to gender-affirming surgeries, reflecting a cautious approach to these issues.​

A Legacy of Inclusivity and Controversy

Pope Francis’s efforts to balance tradition with a more compassionate and inclusive approach garnered both praise and criticism. His outreach to marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and his emphasis on mercy over strict doctrine, marked a transformative period in the Church’s history.

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