As the first Latin American pontiff, the legacy of Pope Francis in the region is complex, according to analysts consulted by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.

Francis, who died on Easter Monday, transformed the Catholic Church. He will be a tough act to follow, writes Omar G. Encarnación.

Drawing on Latin American theology that emphasizes collaboration, developed in response to continued struggles with colonialism, Francis pushed for a Catholic Church with broader inclusion of people on the margins.