VATICAN CITY
Interview/ Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary to the synod of bishops
WHEN THE COLLEGE of cardinals gathers in the Sistine Chapel for the third conclave in 20 years, they will face a complex question: should they choose a successor who will continue Pope Francis’s vision, or chart a different course?
Francis’s leadership style was evident early in his papacy. In contrast to his predecessors, he urged bishops to shed hierarchical airs and embrace pastoral humility―becoming shepherds who live among their flock. Reactions to his leadership varied―some labelled him a Marxist, others a liberal, a revolutionary or simply a reformer who could read the signs of the times. His papacy was also defined by resistance, especially from conservative factions.
One cardinal, speaking anonymously with THE WEEK, expressed concern that the Church under Francis had blurred the line between compassion and activism. He said the emphasis on a Church for the poor was welcome, but warned that in matters of human relationships, the Church should not act as an activist body. Other cardinals, such as Gerhard Müller from Germany, argued that the Church had begun to resemble a non-governmental organisation. Müller said it would be disastrous to have a pope whose views seemed to shift in response to the media.
His defenders, however, believe that Francis indeed made a difference. While his appeals to mercy, love and hope were directed at the faithful, he also raised the Church’s global moral voice on issues such as migration, climate change, capitalism and LGBTQ rights. He consistently challenged world leaders on the senselessness of war and widening inequality.
In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, French nun Nathalie Becquart―appointed by Francis as undersecretary to the synod of bishops―said that Francis was elected with a clear mandate to reform the Church and the Vatican. As the first woman with voting rights in the synod, she emphasised his efforts to empower women, ensure synodality, decentralise authority and challenge Eurocentrism. She expressed hope that his legacy would be carried forward. Excerpts:
Q/ How does Francis’s legacy stand out?
A/ Each pope has his own style and way of doing things. Francis, for instance, decided not to live in the Apostolic Palace and chose to keep his black shoes, as he had before. He decided that his first trip would be to Lampedusa (an island in the Mediterranean) to welcome refugees and migrants. On Holy Thursday, he went to a prison to perform the washing of the feet ceremony. Francis introduced significant changes to highlight the same Christian message.
I am sure there will be continuity. That is what the cardinals are doing―they are assessing where the world is today, what the challenges are, what issues the Church faces and what kind of leader we need as pope. Francis understood that we are living in a fast-changing world marked by crises, conflicts and instability. He was particularly focused on how to respond to these challenges―especially the plight of migrants. Even in the Bible, there is a strong focus on the poor and the displaced.
Francis had a dynamic vision of the Church, rooted in the people and centred on the idea of the Church as the People of God. He also understood that the Church’s mission extended beyond its members. That is why he placed such emphasis on interreligious dialogue. One of his most significant documents is the one on human fraternity, which he co-signed with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt. Francis’s predecessor, Pope Benedict, was a professor of theology, and his approach was shaped by academic experience, focusing on theological dialogue. For Francis, the priority was relationship-building and fostering friendship.
Q/ How difficult was it for Francis to carry out his mission?
A/ It was certainly difficult―any attempt at reform invites resistance. Francis sought to dismantle what he called the clerical mindset: an authoritarian way of exercising power. He believed the Church is for everyone and called on all people to participate in its mission. He understood that today, the Church’s mission is not carried out solely by priests and bishops, but by all its members. He also understood that the pope can achieve nothing alone―real change must be collective. That is why he emphasised the collegial dimension of leadership with bishops. This vision may have been shaped by his Latin American background, where there is often a more communal approach compared with Europe’s focus on the individual. He could not imagine his mission as pope without the people―connecting with them, being among them and involving them.
Q/ The cardinals who elected him knew what kind of person they were choosing. But even they were surprised by how he conducted himself.
A/ I think Francis shook everyone. I have received many messages from people expressing how much he changed their perspectives. A friend of mine, a nun, told me how much Francis changed the way she sees people―she has learned to look without prejudice. We have all been transformed. It is about personal transformation, acknowledging that we are all weak and sinful, and cannot do everything. Francis understood that deeply. His papal motto emphasised the mercy of God. One of his final visits outside the Vatican, just three days before he died, was to a prison. He understood that as human beings, we carry both the best and the worst within us. Nobody is perfect. He urged self-reflection and the courage to change.
We have four Gospels that tell the same story of Jesus in four different ways. Each reflects the perspective of a different community, like Jewish and Greek. No one has a monopoly on truth. Faith is always embodied and transmitted through human experience. That is why there is diversity―of cultures, of perspectives. Not even the pope holds the exclusive key to understanding God or truth.
Q/ Was he, in a way, challenging the Eurocentric Church?
A/ Yes, I believe so. He came from a different culture and experience. Engaging with people who are different from us always challenges us.
Q/ Could that be why he faced so much resistance? Some of it came from cardinals in the English-speaking world.
A/ Yes, possibly. I often quote John O’Malley, a Jesuit Church historian from the United States. He said that throughout Church history, whenever the Holy Spirit has moved to bring about change, there has always been resistance. During the Second Vatican Council, one of the most debated topics was collegiality―the idea that the pope is part of the college of bishops. Resistance is very human―people have fears. But Francis was willing to listen, and there is always something to learn from that.
Q/ What is your assessment of Francis’s approach to gender equality?
A/ He was convinced that the core of the Christian message is the dignity of every person. He believed it was essential to involve more women in the Church, especially in leadership roles. He often said that involving women was key to peacebuilding. The Church is part of society, and nearly all societies have been shaped by male domination or patriarchy.
We had an interesting meeting at the Vatican―Francis and women from 12 different religious traditions: Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews. All of us shared a common experience―our scriptures speak of equality between men and women, but our lived realities do not reflect that. Francis took important steps to increase women’s participation and leadership in the Church.
Q/ Can we call Francis a feminist pope?
A/ It depends on how you define “feminist”. But he was certainly a pope who stood close to women, who wanted to work with and support them. Whether the term “feminist” fits may depend on its political associations. But he was determined to move away from patterns of male domination. His vision was to replace domination with cooperation. He believed that men and women must work together in partnership for the Church’s mission. We are always better together. His actions for women were rooted in listening. There was a strong call from the people to expand women’s participation and leadership. Statistics show that women are the first victims of conflict, violence, unemployment and poverty. Francis was always close to the poor, and he recognised that women often suffer the most. But he also saw the resilience and gifts of women, which should be shared with all.
Q/ But he could not change the Church’s stance on priesthood for women.
A/ For Francis, the priority was involving women in governance and leadership. For instance, he was the first pope to appoint a layman to head a Vatican dicastery (an administrative department)―and now women lead dicasteries as well. For him, de-clericalising the Church was vital. Many roles do not require ordination, and he made that clear.
Q/ So, are you convinced that women cannot be priests?
A/ My personal opinion does not matter. The Church is clear on this issue, it is not an open question. What I am convinced of, like Francis, is the urgent need for a change in mindset. He reminded us that even in dark times, we can live with hope, especially when we come together and receive life from God. This is the fruit of the synodal process: people around the world want to be heard and welcomed. Francis understood this deeply. And that message is for women, too. When I was appointed, it meant that a woman was named to a role traditionally held by men. It showed that change is possible, and it’s what many people are longing for.
Q/ After Francis, how do you view the future of women in the Church?
A/ I am very confident. What Francis did was guided by God’s hand. Every pope since the Second Vatican Council has helped advance the role of women. The momentum will continue.