Some 'hated' Pope Francis for his anti-clericalism stance
Catholic priest Father Michael Deeb spent seven years in Rome, and shares his reflections on the legacy the late Pope Francis will leave behind.
Pope Francis waves from a window of the Gemelli hospital before being discharged following a five weeks hospitalisation for pneumonia, in Rome on 23 March 2025. Picture: AFP
702's Clement Manyathela is joined by Father Mike Deeb - a Catholic Priest and former Permanent Delegate of the Dominican Order to the United Nations, and Prof. Itumeleng Mothoagae - the Chair of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Department at UNISA.
Listen below:
As Catholics the world over continue to mourn the loss of the late Pope Francis, many are also considering what his legacy will be.
The Argentinian who led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his passing, was known for his progressive stance on issues such as climate change and poverty.
But he also faced criticism - including by those from within the church.
"Pope Francis opened up many doors and windows, a lot of fresh of air's been blowing through."
- Father Mike Deeb, Former Permanent Delegate of the Dominican Order to the United Nations
But the Pontiff's approach wasn't welcomed by everyone within the Catholic Church...
"You can't do that without ruffling some feathers. He did have many enemies, I think that's clear."
- Father Mike Deeb, Former Permanent Delegate of the Dominican Order to the United Nations
Deeb says there are those who disliked Pope Francis' stance on certain issues - including clericalism.
"You can define [clericalism] as a priest-focused church, where priests have a lot of power... he was very critical of that."
- Father Mike Deeb, Former Permanent Delegate of the Dominican Order to the United Nations
"When you adopt an approach... of saying compassion and mercy are the most important things, you will always find those who want the rules to be implemented in a strict way."
- Father Mike Deeb, Former Permanent Delegate of the Dominican Order to the United Nations
Deeb says during his own seven years spent in Rome, he was struck by how many people 'hated' the Pontiff for his anti-clericalism stance.
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