Francis emphasized the need for “theological freedom” and said that “without the possibility of experimenting new ways nothing new is created, and one does not leave space to the newness of the Spirit of the Risen One.”

While this proposal may draw most media attention, it should not be allowed to eclipse other significant aspects in the document, including the church’s strong commitment to work for justice for indigenous people and the protection of the environment.

His renunciation did not come as a total surprise given the controversy that erupted in Chile following the priest’s controversial statements after his nomination.

“It is inconceivable to be a pontifical representative and to criticize the pope behind his back, to have a blog or even to unite himself to groups hostile to him, to the [Roman] curia and to the church of Rome,” Pope Francis stated.

The text explains that “gender theory” expresses an ideology that “denies the difference and reciprocity in nature of a man and a woman.”

The fact that they are meeting for a third time shows that Putin considers Pope Francis an influential player and moral authority on the global stage.