Remembering Pope Francis and reflecting on his legacy

Following his passing, many of our researchers have drawn on their expertise and experiences to offer insight and reflect on the Pope’s lasting legacy.

Shaping the future of the Catholic Church

Durham's esteemed theologian Professor Anna Rowlands has been actively working with the team managing the global Synod process established by Pope Francis. 

The Synod is the largest grassroots listening process ever undertaken by the Catholic Church and aims to renew processes of participation, governance and mission in the life of the Church.

Image caption: Professor Anna Rowlands pictured with Pope Francis at the Synod.

From the UK and Rome, Professor Rowlands has provided a wealth of expert commentary and reactions to the Pope's passing. She has shared her expertise with major international and national news organisations, including contributions to the BBC’s obituary and this piece for ABC Australia.

In a piece for The Guardian Professor Rowlands said: “[Pope Francis] believed that most of the core truths of life are simple, that they can be communicated simply, and that mercy, forgiveness, and the joy of faith could bring transformation.”

Professor Rowlands continues to be called upon for her insights from Rome.

Reflecting on his legacy

Dr Liam Temple, Assistant Professor in the History of Catholicism, recently reviewed Pope Francis’ autobiography, the first by a sitting pope. In the article, Dr Temple described Pope Francis as “the face of the modern Catholic Church.”

As part of his work, Dr Temple has explored the links between the late Pope Francis and Saint Francis of Assisi, showing how Franciscan values were important to the late pontiff. His insights have been captured in the following video.

Video caption: Dr Temple discussing the links between the late Pope Francis and Saint Francis of Assisi.

Following the announcement of his death by the Vatican, Dr Temple also reflected on Pope Francis’ tenure as an “unconventional” pontiff who tirelessly worked to modernise Catholicism for The Conversation.

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor of Franciscan Studies from our Department of Theology and Religion, spoke to local radio remembering Pope Francis and the vocation of the Church.

Speaking of the Pope, William said: "He reminded us that the vocation of the Church is not simply to look within itself, but to look out into the world, to go out into the world and to be a voice for the poor, the needy and the oppressed, and to be a voice that lets the poor and the oppressed speak once again."

Find out more

• Read our full statement on the death of Pope Francis.
• Professor Anna Rowlands is the St Hilda Professor of Catholic Social Thought and Practice in Durham’s Department of Theology and Religion and a member of the University’s Centre for Catholic Studies.
• Learn more about Dr Liam Temple, Assistant Professor in the History of Catholicism, and Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor of Franciscan Studies.
• Our Department of Theology and Religion is one of the most varied and dynamic in the UK; our Department is a place where ‘belief’ and ‘beliefs’ are taken seriously, respected, and studied. Together, we form a lively and welcoming community to those of all faiths and to those of none.
• The Centre for Catholic Studies is a centre for critically constructive Catholic studies, working in close partnership with the Catholic Church and other organisations, in multiple ways, to produce future leaders, foster talent, and promote the growth of Catholic scholarship locally and globally.
• Our Department of Theology and Religion is ranked sixth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Visit our Theology and Religion webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. You can also learn more about Durham's MA in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning) programme.