Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Compassion, Reform, and Global Impact
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a month-long hospitalization for double pneumonia
A Historic Papacy
Elected in March 2013, Pope Francis was the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years His papacy was marked by humility and a commitment to social justice.
Championing the Marginalized
Pope Francis emphasized outreach to marginalized communities, advocating for the poor, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community. He supported same-sex civil unions and called for the abolition of the death penalty His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, addressed climate change and environmental stewardship, urging global action
Francis implemented significant reforms within the Church, including restructuring the Roman Curia and addressing clerical abuse through the 2019 motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi . He convened synods that, for the first time, included women with voting rights However, his progressive stances sparked backlash from conservative factions, leading to internal resistance
Global Tributes
World leaders and religious figures paid tribute to Pope Francis. French President Emmanuel Macron praised his humility and empathy, while Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow. The Dalai Lama and Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt also expressed condolences, appreciating the Pope’s moral guidance
Final Days and Funeral
Despite health challenges, Pope Francis delivered his final Easter blessing on April 20, 2025, from St. Peter’s Basilica . His funeral will reflect his wishes for simplicity, with plans for a basic wooden coffin and burial in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican since 1903
Pope Francis’s legacy is one of compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to reform. His leadership has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world.
