His own record as the head of the Jesuit order in Argentina at the time has been tarnished as well.

NPR: Argentine Jorge Bergoglio Elected Pope Francis

Francis, the first pope from the Jesuit order, which is known for its missionary zeal, praised the Colombian saint for "instilling hope" in the indigenous people.

NPR: Pope Francis Gives Church Hundreds Of New Saints

It was the understated beginning of a papacy that church observers might expect from his Jesuit order, which is known for promoting education and working closely with the poor.

WSJ: New Argentine Pope Faces Church Splits