The Question of the "Best Pope": A Misguided Pursuit

The Question of the "Best Pope": A Misguided Pursuit

The question of who is the "best pope" is one that surfaces from time to time, often sparked by debates among Catholics, historians, or cultural commentators. It’s a question that seems to invite comparison, as if the papacy were a contest to be judged by human standards. However, this framing is fundamentally flawed and misunderstands the nature of the papacy, the role of divine providence, and the unique challenges each pope faces in their time. To rank popes or label one as "better" than another is to impose a worldly lens on a divine institution, ignoring the belief that God chooses the right pope for the right time. The Papacy: A Divine Appointment, Not a Competition The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Spirit guides the selection of the pope, ensuring that the successor of St. Peter is the one needed for the Church’s mission in that particular era. Each pope, from St. Peter to the present, has been called to lead the Church through specific historical, spiritual, and cultural circumstances. To compare them as "better" or "worse" is to overlook the unique context of their leadership and the divine purpose behind their election. For example, St. John Paul II’s papacy (1978–2005) was marked by his global evangelization, his role in the fall of communism, and his theological contributions like the Theology of the Body. His charismatic presence and intellectual rigor were suited to a world grappling with ideological conflicts and secularism. Contrast this with Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013), whose scholarly approach and emphasis on liturgical renewal addressed a Church navigating the complexities of modernity and internal theological debates. Pope Francis (2013–2023), with his focus on mercy, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized, responded to a world marked by economic inequality, migration crises, and environmental concerns. Each of these popes faced distinct challenges, and their approaches were shaped by the needs of their time. To declare one "better" than another is to ignore the fact that their missions were not interchangeable. God’s providence, Catholics believe, ensures that the right leader emerges for the Church’s needs, just as a shepherd is chosen for the flock’s specific journey. The Danger of Judging Popes: The Case of Pope Francis The temptation to rank popes becomes particularly problematic when it turns into judgment or division within the Church. Following the death of Pope Francis in 2023, some traditionalist Catholics labeled him the "worst pope ever," criticizing his emphasis on inclusivity, his perceived ambiguity on doctrinal matters, and his reforms as departures from tradition. Such critiques often overlook the context of his papacy and the significant growth the Church experienced under his leadership. Under Pope Francis, the Catholic Church saw notable expansion, particularly in regions like Africa and Asia, where the faith continued to flourish despite global secular trends. His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, addressed pressing global issues like climate change and human fraternity, resonating with millions and bringing the Church’s voice to contemporary debates. His emphasis on synodality fostered greater dialogue within the Church, encouraging lay participation and collaboration among bishops. To reduce his papacy to a caricature of "progressivism" is to ignore these accomplishments and the broader mission he undertook. Moreover, labeling any pope as the "worst" disregards the belief that God’s will operates through the papacy, even in its human imperfections. The Bible itself offers a sobering reminder: even Judas Iscariot was chosen by Christ for a purpose, despite his betrayal. Similarly, every pope, with their strengths and weaknesses, plays a role in God’s plan for the Church. To judge them harshly or rank them competitively risks fostering division among the faithful, undermining the unity that the papacy is meant to embody. Why Catholics Should Avoid Ranking Popes The urge to rank popes often stems from personal biases or preferences—whether theological, cultural, or political. Some may favor a pope who aligns with their vision of the Church, whether traditional, progressive, or otherwise. But the papacy is not a popularity contest, nor is it about fulfilling individual expectations. It is about stewardship, service, and fidelity to Christ’s mission, carried out in the context of a specific historical moment. Instead of ranking popes, Catholics are called to pray for them, support their leadership, and trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Church’s history is replete with popes who faced criticism in their time—some for being too conservative, others for being too reformist—yet their contributions often became clearer with hindsight. St. Pius V, for instance, was a towering figure of the Counter-Reformation, standardizing the Roman Missal, but his stern approach was controversial in his day. Similarly, Pope Leo XIII’s *Rerum Novarum* laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching, yet it challenged the economic status quo of the late 19th century. Each pope’s legacy is best understood not in isolation or competition but as part of the Church’s ongoing journey. To focus on ranking them is to miss the forest for the trees, reducing a divine institution to a human scorecard. Trusting God’s Choice The question of the "best pope" is not only unanswerable but also unhelpful. It distracts from the deeper truth that God chooses the right pope for the right time, equipping them to face the challenges of their era. Whether it’s navigating wars, heresies, cultural shifts, or internal reforms, each pope’s mission is unique, and their success cannot be measured by worldly standards or personal preferences. As Catholics, our task is not to judge or rank popes but to support the Church’s mission through prayer, charity, and unity. The criticisms leveled against Pope Francis after his death serve as a reminder of the dangers of such judgment. Even in moments of disagreement, Catholics are called to trust that the Holy Spirit guides the Church, just as it has for over two millennia. Rather than debating who was the "best" or "worst," let us give thanks for the papacy itself—a enduring sign of God’s faithfulness to His people, through every season and challenge.