Pope Francis Legacy Faces Review Over St Francis Narrative

A First Things analysis published October 13, 2026, examined how Pope Francis used the story of St. Francis of Assisi and his meeting with Ahmad Al-Tayyeb to shape discussions on interfaith dialogue, while reviewing historical differences surrounding the medieval encounter with Malik al-Kamil.

The article focused on the connection between Pope Francis encyclical Fratelli Tutti and the 2019 Human Fraternity declaration signed with Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt. It said the meeting became a central element of Francis approach to religious outreach.

The analysis cited Pope Francis description of St. Francis journey to Egypt, writing that the pontiff referred to "an episode in the life of St. Francis that shows his openness of heart, which knew no bounds and transcended differences of origin, nationality, color, or religion."

The article explained that Pope Francis and Ahmad Al-Tayyeb signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together on February 4, 2019. It said their meeting in Abu Dhabi was linked symbolically to the eight-hundredth anniversary of St. Francis meeting with Malik al-Kamil.

The analysis described Pope Francis emphasis on dialogue through his encyclical and quoted the declaration referenced in Fratelli Tutti.

"God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties, and dignity, and has called them to live together as brothers and sisters." was cited from the Human Fraternity declaration.

The article noted that Pope Francis chose the papal name Francis and titled two encyclicals, Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, after expressions associated with St. Francis. It also discussed criticism and debate over comparisons between Pope Francis and the medieval saint.

The analysis referenced images portraying St. Francis and Malik al-Kamil together, including depictions where Malik al-Kamil was called "Saint" in an icon. It also mentioned the Arabic term qiddis, translated as "saint."

The article reviewed reactions to Fratelli Tutti, including praise from Christine Allen, director of CAFOD, who described the message as extending beyond Catholics and other faith communities.

"This is a message not just to Catholics, or people of other faiths, it is to everyone. It is a powerful voice amid the pandemic, growing inequality, conflict and racial unrest." was attributed to Christine Allen.

The article also compared approaches taken by Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI regarding relations with Al-Azhar. It stated that dialogue between the Vatican and Al-Azhar resumed under Pope Francis after earlier tensions.

The analysis said Ahmad Al-Tayyeb suspended Al-Azhar dialogue with the Vatican after Pope Benedict XVI comments following a 2010 church bombing in Alexandria, citing his anger over alleged "interference."

The article stated that Francis and Al-Tayyeb met nine times between 2016 and 2022, including meetings at the Vatican and Al-Azhar in Cairo. It questioned whether Al-Tayyeb was the appropriate partner for a document on "Human Fraternity."

The analysis also cited criticism of the Egyptian government relationship with Al-Tayyeb, referencing Amnesty International claims about a "decade of shame" in Egypt involving arrests, trials, and restrictions on expression.