Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at his residence in the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae, following complications from a prolonged respiratory illness, including double pneumonia.
Early Life and Rise to the Papacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He served as the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina and later became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, Bergoglio was known for his humility and commitment to social justice. On March 13, 2013, he was elected as the 266th pope, choosing the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Wikipedia
Key Achievements and Reforms
1. Emphasis on Humility and Simplicity
Pope Francis was renowned for his modest lifestyle, choosing to reside in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal apartments. He often used public transportation and was seen as a pope of the people. Reuters
2. Advocacy for the Marginalized
He consistently emphasized the Church’s role in supporting the poor, refugees, and marginalized communities. His encyclical “Laudato Si'” called for urgent action on climate change and environmental stewardship.
3. Church Reforms
Francis overhauled the Vatican’s constitution, allowing any baptized lay Catholic, including women, to lead most departments within the central administration of the Church. He appointed more women to senior Vatican roles than any previous pope.
4. Interfaith Dialogue and Apologies
He worked to improve relations with other faiths and issued apologies for the Church’s past wrongdoings, including the abuse scandals and the Church’s role in the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Political Engagement
Pope Francis was an outspoken critic of unbridled capitalism, consumerism, and overdevelopment. He called for the decriminalization of homosexuality and criticized anti-immigration politics, including those of U.S. President Donald Trump. He also played a role in restoring diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba and negotiated a deal with China regarding the appointment of bishops.
Global Tributes
Following his death, tributes poured in from around the world. Leaders praised his compassion, humility, and commitment to social justice. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola were among those who honored his legacy. Metsola referred to him as “The People’s Pope.” Reuters
Legacy
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by efforts to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to modern challenges.His focus on humility, social justice, and environmental issues left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
