The missionary legacy of Pope Francis in times of polarization: culture of encounter considering Laudato Si, Evangelii Gaudium, and Zacchaeus

Abstract

This article analyzes the missionary legacy of Pope Francis pontificate in a contemporary context marked by social, cultural, and religious polarizations, based on the encyclicals Laudato Si and Evangelii Gaudium, as well as the narrative of Jesus  encounter with Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke (Lc 19, 1-10). The study seeks to understand how the culture of encounter is configured as a missionary axis capable of articulating evangelization, conversion, mercy, and care for our common home. It argues that Pope Francis missionary proposal offers the Church a relevant pastoral horizon to respond to the logics of exclusion, closure, and indifference that mark the present time. It concludes that this missionary legacy repositions the Church's mission within the horizon of closeness, listening, socio-environmental responsibility, and openness to others.