In one of his final writings, Pope Francis penned a foreword to a book aimed at young Catholics, emphasizing the church's traditional stance on marriage while maintaining his characteristic style of engaging and compassionate communication. He likened marriage to a tango, highlighting its discipline and dignity, and reinforced the sacredness and permanence of the union between a man and a woman, without altering church doctrine. Known as 'the people's pope,' Francis was lauded for his efforts to address real-world issues, like divorce and same-sex unions, with pragmatic inclusiveness. His papacy was marked by attempts to stretch the church's teachings to better incorporate those traditionally marginalized, as seen in his decisions to bless same-sex couples and marry non-traditional couples. Following his death, his writings continue to reflect his legacy of love and inclusivity, serving both as a testament to his impact and a point of reflection for the future of the church's doctrine.

Pope Francis's foreword to a book for young Catholics articulated the church's position on marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman, emphasizing its importance without changing the doctrine.

He compared marriage to the tango, a dance he cherished from his Argentine roots, portraying it as a commitment of discipline and dignity, and used this metaphor to communicate the church's teachings with charm and accessibility.

Francis was known for addressing harsh realities, such as poverty and suffering, and his foreword reflected this by acknowledging the challenges of marriage, such as the high rates of divorce, and personalizing the message to resonate with readers.

Throughout his papacy, Francis sought to make church teachings more inclusive, allowing priests to bless same-sex couples and encouraging divorced and remarried Catholics to receive communion, reflecting his pastoral approach to modernize without doctrinal change.

His legacy is defined by his practical and compassionate approach to traditional teachings, as he worked to expand the theology of marriage to be more inclusive, while maintaining the church's core principles.

The foreword, which will not be included in the book for youth following Francis's death, underscores his emphasis on love's permanence and the enrichment it brings to life, embodying his broader message to the faithful.

Francis's writings, including this foreword, may play a role in considerations for his canonization, as they encapsulate his efforts to bridge traditional doctrine with contemporary pastoral care.