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From Bergoglio to Francis: Five Conferences on a Modern Papacy - BVM Hosts Conference Series on the Legacy of Pope Francis
By Raphael Roberts• 8/10/2026
•5 min read
This spring, the Blessed Virgin Mary Church hosted a five-part conference series examining the pontificate of Pope Francis (2013–2025). Presented by priests of the Society of Saint Pius X, the series sought to analyze the theological foundations, pastoral priorities, and lasting influence of the late pontiff upon the life of the Church.
Before Pope Francis: The Social-Political Theology of Jorge Bergoglio
The opening conference, presented on 1/27/2026 by Fr. Daniel Enriquez, explored the intellectual formation of Jorge Bergoglio before his election to the papacy. Drawing attention to the influence of Liberation Theology, phenomenology, and the Theology of the People, Fr. Enriquez argued that these currents shaped many of the principles that would later characterize the Francis pontificate.
Mercy: The Driving Force of a Pastoral and Doctrinal Reform of the Church.
The second lecture, delivered on 2/10/26 by Fr. Gregory Pfeiffer, examined Mercy as the central theme of Pope Francis’ pastoral program. While acknowledging the importance of mercy in the Gospel, Fr. Pfeiffer contended that its emphasis during the pontificate often came at the expense of doctrinal precision and moral clarity, contributing to confusion among the faithful.
Universal Fraternity: Horizontal and Goal of the Pontificate
In the third conference, on 2/24/26, Fr. Philip DeLallo addressed the theme of Universal Fraternity, a hallmark of Pope Francis’ teaching. He argued that the pursuit of global unity through dialogue and encounter represented a departure from the Church’s traditional emphasis on the social kingship of Christ and the salvation of souls as the ultimate end of human society.
Integral Ecology: A Concrete Expression of Universal Fraternity
The fourth presentation, given on 4/28/26 by Fr. Steven Webber, focused on Integral Ecology and the encyclical Laudato Si’. Fr. Webber described ecological concerns as a practical expression of the broader vision of universal fraternity, while warning against approaches that risk subordinating supernatural ends to temporal and environmental priorities.
Synodality: A New Method for the Church
The conference series concluded, on 5/26/26, with Fr. Richard Boyle’s examination of Synodality, which he described as the ecclesiastical embodiment of the principles developed throughout the previous lectures. According to Fr. Boyle, the synodal model represents a significant shift in the Church’s governance and self-understanding, emphasizing dialogue and participation in ways that raise important questions regarding hierarchy, authority, and tradition.
Taken together, the conferences presented a comprehensive critique of the Francis pontificate from a traditional Catholic perspective. While recognizing Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ, the speakers urged Catholics to remain firmly rooted in the perennial teachings of the Church, to deepen their knowledge of the Faith, and to pray for the restoration of Catholic tradition and order in every level of society.
Before Pope Francis: The Social-Political Theology of Jorge Bergoglio
The opening conference, presented on 1/27/2026 by Fr. Daniel Enriquez, explored the intellectual formation of Jorge Bergoglio before his election to the papacy. Drawing attention to the influence of Liberation Theology, phenomenology, and the Theology of the People, Fr. Enriquez argued that these currents shaped many of the principles that would later characterize the Francis pontificate.
Mercy: The Driving Force of a Pastoral and Doctrinal Reform of the Church.
The second lecture, delivered on 2/10/26 by Fr. Gregory Pfeiffer, examined Mercy as the central theme of Pope Francis’ pastoral program. While acknowledging the importance of mercy in the Gospel, Fr. Pfeiffer contended that its emphasis during the pontificate often came at the expense of doctrinal precision and moral clarity, contributing to confusion among the faithful.
Universal Fraternity: Horizontal and Goal of the Pontificate
In the third conference, on 2/24/26, Fr. Philip DeLallo addressed the theme of Universal Fraternity, a hallmark of Pope Francis’ teaching. He argued that the pursuit of global unity through dialogue and encounter represented a departure from the Church’s traditional emphasis on the social kingship of Christ and the salvation of souls as the ultimate end of human society.
Integral Ecology: A Concrete Expression of Universal Fraternity
The fourth presentation, given on 4/28/26 by Fr. Steven Webber, focused on Integral Ecology and the encyclical Laudato Si’. Fr. Webber described ecological concerns as a practical expression of the broader vision of universal fraternity, while warning against approaches that risk subordinating supernatural ends to temporal and environmental priorities.
Synodality: A New Method for the Church
The conference series concluded, on 5/26/26, with Fr. Richard Boyle’s examination of Synodality, which he described as the ecclesiastical embodiment of the principles developed throughout the previous lectures. According to Fr. Boyle, the synodal model represents a significant shift in the Church’s governance and self-understanding, emphasizing dialogue and participation in ways that raise important questions regarding hierarchy, authority, and tradition.
Taken together, the conferences presented a comprehensive critique of the Francis pontificate from a traditional Catholic perspective. While recognizing Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ, the speakers urged Catholics to remain firmly rooted in the perennial teachings of the Church, to deepen their knowledge of the Faith, and to pray for the restoration of Catholic tradition and order in every level of society.