Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on March 13, 2013. (Dmitry Lovetsky/Associated Press)
Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Pope from outside of Europe for nearly a millennium, reflecting the reality of a church that has the majority of its followers in Latin America and the strong connection with society and social justice that churches have had in the developing world. Pope Francis I is a native of Argentina and comes from a background where the social awareness of the problems in a society torn by poverty and deep issues of historical inequality and corruption permeates every decision by leaders in the region. A conservative, he has been challenged by issues in Argentina related to same-sex marriage as well as a history of the church’s cooperation with the former military regime in Argentina that had scarred Argentine society as a whole. Pope Francis I will have to also provide guidance to a part of the world that bases much of their lives on their faith, but is also is turning away from the Catholic Church towards other Christian churches in Latin America.
The issues that will be challenged by Francis I will be reflective of the issues that he had faced in Buenos Aires and Argentina in general, those of poverty and social justice in an unequal society. The Catholic Church in Latin America is an integral part of society and helped form much of the modern systems of social welfare in the region. Where systems of social assistance often did not function in the region, churches and organizations started by many churches are often the only source of guidance and assistance to many in Latin America. With one of the worst levels of inequality in the world, many in poverty in Latin America have little power to improve their own lives. In many countries in the region, the grassroots of poverty reduction and systems that became part of national strategies to reduce poverty and inequality came from programs of the church. While many believe the church does not affect their lives in the developed world, the church in Latin America and the developing world is often the only source of help and kindness in societies that have failed to support everyone living inside it. Pope Francis I will bring his strong focus to help the poor to the Papacy, already becoming an example of frugality in the first days of his election as Pope.
Whether speaking about Latin America, Africa or Asia, the issues of inequality and social justice will resonate with a non-European Pope speaking about issues in which he has personal experience. Social justice was one of the major issues that created the ideas of Hugo Chavez’s campaign during his election campaigns and maintained his presidency until his recent death. Whether a socialist or a pope, social justice and dignity in poverty is an issue that may never disappear in Latin America. A strong individual that leads by example in tackling social justice issues will always be a mark of leadership in Latin America. Social justice is needed worldwide, and with a strong tradition of fighting for equality by Chavez and Francis I, social justice issues will challenge governments in Latin America and global inequality over the next few years.
