Was he conservative, liberal, or progressive? Commentators around the world will be scratching their heads to figure out where the pope, who has just passed away, stood ideologically. For people who prefer clear-cut answers, one thing’s for sure — Pope Francis was a hard man to pin down.

Even before he was elected pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, Archbishop Bergoglio, the Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires, had already caused deep divisions among those who were interested in him. Some had accused him of culpable collaboration with the authorities during Argentina’s “Dirty War” dictatorship. Others, on the contrary, completely exonerated him of any suspicion, challenging the first group to provide the slightest evidence of collusion.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis continued to stir confusion in public opinion. Those adhering to a conservative line within the Catholic Church, following in the footsteps of his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, believe that the Argentine pope went too far with his progressive views on social issues — as exemplified by his famous “Who am I to judge?” remark when asked about homosexuals.

That comment had in fact triggered a wave of homophobia in some traditionalist Christian quarters. Conversely, his strongly worded rhetoric on the right to abortion — when he compared it to “hiring a hitman” — deeply disappointed the advocates for reform. The same applied to his cautious approach to the role of women in the Church and to efforts to combat sexual abuse within religious institutions.

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In fact, the Church’s structures and official texts saw little change during Pope Francis’ pontificate. Efforts to legally reform, adjust or adapt the Church’s relationship with modern societal norms were largely lacking — except perhaps when it came to environmental issues, where the late pope played a pioneering role. 

But a new style was born. It was characterized by pragmatism, a case-by-case approach — even regarding abortion — an ever-present smile, simplicity, and fraternity. Ideology rarely took center stance in his positions on the poor, refugees, and marginalized people; rather, sincerity and human empathy did. His refusal to live in grand apartments never felt staged, unlike with some populist politicians eager to impress their audience with little effort. 

Pope Francis was a critic of the materialism of modern societies — but no more than, say, John Paul II. However, if there’s one word that truly represents a belief he has always upheld, it would be “peace.” Peace among people, nations, and religions — the late pope tirelessly spread this message across all continents.

And he desired peace in Lebanon as much as anywhere else. He understood Lebanon well, even embracing the concept of the country as a “message-nation,” an idea once advanced by his illustrious predecessor. But he also judged Lebanon harshly, it must be said, for having turned its back on that calling and becoming more of a war-maker than a peacemaker.

Pope Francis was supposed to come to Lebanon, just like his two predecessors. In the end, he did not. Not so much due to health reasons — he traveled to many countries around the world — but most likely because he didn’t want his presence to be seen as support to a political class he often criticized. The same political class that is today falling over itself to praise the dearly departed pope.