In the wake of his passing, Pope Francis has been remembered as a reformer, an outsider, and a modernizing force within the Catholic Church. Yet beyond these roles, he remained a guardian of one of the Western world’s oldest institutions, upholding its doctrines even as he conveyed them with his distinctive approach.
This balance is evident in one of the pope’s final written contributions: a foreword to a book aimed at young Catholics that discusses the church’s teachings on love and marriage. The work comes from the YOUCAT Foundation—an organization sanctioned by the Vatican to present church doctrine in a way that resonates with youth worldwide. Their publications are available in 70 languages.
In his foreword, Pope Francis reiterates the church’s stance on marriage as a sacred union exclusively between a man and a woman. While not introducing new doctrinal changes, his message reflects his legacy as a pragmatic and empathetic communicator who reframed traditional teachings for contemporary audiences without altering their core essence.
A scholar of Catholicism notes that this foreword serves as a classic example of the late pope’s style and approach, underscoring his enduring influence on the church’s dialogue with its followers.
The Pope’s Distinctive Rhetoric
From the outset, Francis’s writing reveals much about his papal philosophy.
He begins by recalling a cherished cultural symbol from his native Argentina: the tango. Describing the dance’s discipline and grace, he draws a parallel between the tango and the commitment found in marriage.
He reflects warmly on young couples who courageously pledge lifelong love, calling their vow to love 'until death do us part' an extraordinary and profound promise.
