By Ines San Martin
As the church prepares for the next conclave, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the US, reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy and the future of evangelisation.
Speaking to OSV News amid the early general congregations of cardinals after the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Pierre emphasised the late pope’s deep roots in Latin America and the Second Vatican Council.
He credited pivotal moments like the 2007 Aparecida meeting—where then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio helped draft the final document—as shaping Francis’ missionary focus.
“Pope Francis was born in Aparecida,” Cardinal Pierre said. He underscored the pope’s commitment to a “theology of the people,” distancing it from Marxist interpretations of liberation theology.
Looking ahead, Cardinal Pierre called for continuity with the pope, saying he cannot be “cloned.” “We need to provide the people the possibility of an encounter with Christ,” he said.
While acknowledging Francis’ human flaws, Cardinal Pierre praised his consistency and witness.
His message to the faithful? Missionary discipleship begins with personal conversion—not marketing, but authentic witness. “It’s not a business announcement,” he said.