Since assuming the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has brought a new and at times quite controversial energy to the Catholic Church and its 1.25 billion followers.
As evident in his address to a joint session of Congress on Thursday, the Pope diverges in style and substance from his predecessors. He’s been consistently outspoken — to the chagrin of many conservatives — in his defense of the world’s poor and his criticism of unbridled capitalism. He’s also frequently expressed his grave concern about environmental degradation and climate change. And although continuing to oppose homosexuality, contraception and abortion, he’s taken a softer approach to these issues.
This infographic outlines his unique positions on six particularly controversial issues. Download it here.
