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Pope Francis Passes Away at 88 After Historic 12-Year Papacy
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia and other health complications. Despite his health challenges, he had made a public appearance just a day prior, delivering his final Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Early Life and Path to the Papacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. His rise within the Church hierarchy was marked by humility and a deep commitment to social justice. In 1998, he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
On March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected pope, taking the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing his dedication to the poor and marginalized.
A Papacy of Firsts and Reforms
Pope Francis’s papacy was characterized by numerous firsts: he was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. His leadership style was marked by simplicity and approachability, often eschewing traditional papal luxuries. He chose to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and was known for his direct engagement with the faithful.
Throughout his tenure, Francis emphasized themes of compassion, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. He addressed pressing global issues, including migration, climate change, and economic inequality. Notably, he advocated for civil unions for same-sex couples and called for the abolition of the death penalty. His encyclical “Laudato Si'” highlighted the moral imperative of addressing environmental degradation.
Challenges and Criticisms
While widely praised for his progressive stances, Pope Francis faced criticism from conservative factions within the Church. His efforts to modernize Church teachings and practices, including his openness to divorced and remarried Catholics receiving communion, sparked debates about doctrinal continuity. Additionally, his handling of clerical sexual abuse cases drew scrutiny, with some advocates arguing that his reforms did not go far enough.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Pope Francis’s health had been a concern for several years. In early 2025, he was hospitalized for a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs and led to slight kidney failure. After a month-long hospitalization, he was discharged on March 23. Despite his ailments, he continued his duties, delivering his final public address on Easter Sunday, April 20.
Funeral Arrangements and Succession
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking the first time in over a century that a pope will be interred outside the Vatican. The Vatican has initiated traditional funeral rites, and the papal conclave to elect his successor is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025.
Global Tributes
World leaders and religious figures have paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy. U.S. President Joe Biden described him as a “moral compass,” while French President Emmanuel Macron hailed him as a “champion for the poor and voiceless.” His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection on his transformative impact on the Catholic Church and global affairs.
Legacy
Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to bring the Catholic Church closer to the marginalized and to address contemporary global challenges. His emphasis on humility, social justice, and environmental responsibility has left an indelible mark on the Church and its 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
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