Criticism of Pope Francis' tenure described as unfair

JOHANNESBURG - Some religious leaders have disputed assertions that Pope Francis' 12-year tenure failed to effect any real change in the Catholic Church.

While he was often called "the people’s pope", some detractors argued that the pontiff's vision did not translate into the institutional change he envisioned.

But from Francis' push for environmental justice to his calls for a more inclusive church, defenders said that his impact was profound.

The late pope died at the age of 88 on Monday after suffering a stroke.

Administrator at the Cathedral for Christ the King, Father Lawrence Ndlovu said the assessment by naysayers was unfair.

"I think maybe slightly unfair. I would venture to say that he spent a lot of time at least trying to reorientate, to get the machine, the wheels, and the right conversations to be taking place. And he acted upon some of those things. He's the first pope to appoint women to head the cathedrals and to head important departments in the Vatican."