Episode notes
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the modern Catholic Church, has died at age 88. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he was known for his humility, compassion for the poor, and outspoken views on issues like capitalism and climate change. From the moment of his election, Francis signaled a new direction for the papacy — one focused on inclusivity and justice, especially for refugees and the marginalized.
Yet his progressive stance drew criticism from conservative factions within the Church, who bristled at his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and his restrictions on traditionalist practices. David Crabtree, longtime television news anchor in the Triangle who covered the early days of Francis’ papacy, joined Jeff Hamlin to reflect on the Pope’s complex legacy and enduring global impact.