Pope Francis’ Greatest Achievement Was Emphasizing Mercy

When they gather in Rome to consider Pope Francis’ successor, the world’s cardinals will sift his legacy, asking which of the key priorities of his pontificate should be defended and built on, or whether a new emphasis is needed. Much of the media coverage will portray the decision as a contest between competing visions: one, “liberal,” reforming, modernizing and compassionate; the other “conservative,” seeking to preserve tradition, teach with clarity, and defend law and morality. Yet most cardinals do not look through that lens...