Resolute but increasingly irrelevant - Fifth year of Francis’ pontificate

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope to succeed Pope Benedict who resigned a month earlier, the only pope to do so voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294. Francis was immediately divisive. Catholic liberals hoped he would end the dominance of enjoyed by conservatives since John XXIII died 55 years ago. Equally, Catholicism’s right was concerned that their not-an-inch influence might fade. They need not have worried.

Francis presented a warm, engaging personality, a more charismatic presence. He rejected imperial pomp and exercised humility. He may have indulged constructive ambiguities on issues like homosexuality — “Who am I to judge?” — and whether divorced or remarried Catholics might be offered Communion. He also spoke about climate change but it would be naive to imagine that his velvet gloves cover anything but steel. Core dogma or practice has not changed.