Previously Unpublished: Insights from One of Pope Francis' Final Writings

In an introductory note for a book, Pope Francis clarified the church’s stance on marriage.

In recent days following his passing, Pope Francis has been described with a multitude of labels embodying his characteristics. Despite these varied descriptions, his enduring role as guardian of the Roman Catholic Church's age-old beliefs stands out. He safeguarded these teachings, interpreting and presenting them in his unique way.

This role is reflected in one of his final messages, shared exclusively with The New York Times and previously unpublished. This brief introduction was crafted for a publication aimed at young Catholics, focusing on the church’s perspectives on love and matrimony. The book is produced by the YOUCAT Foundation, an organization endorsed by the Vatican to translate the church’s doctrine into accessible language for a youthful audience. Their materials are distributed globally in 70 languages.

Within this foreword, Francis reasserts the church’s traditional teachings on marriage: it is an essential, revered institution, defined as a union solely between a man and a woman. While this statement does not tread new doctrinal paths, it offers a glimpse into Francis's papal identity: an empathetic, practical communicator capable of refreshing the presentation of unchanged teachings for contemporary times.

Raúl Zegarra, a Catholic studies professor at Harvard, regards it as an affirmation of Pope Francis's enduring impact, labeling it a quintessential text from him.

The Art of Communication

Pope Francis's approach during his papacy is encapsulated in his opening remarks of the foreword.

He draws from personal experience, mentioning a beloved dance from his homeland, Argentina: the tango. Francis, the first pope from Latin America, reflects on how the dance's blend of “discipline and dignity” parallels the institution of marriage.

Francis expresses profound admiration for young couples pledging lifelong commitment, marveling at the monumental promise encapsulated in ‘I want to love you until the end of life.’