VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in history, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. His unique approach, characterized by a humble style and deep concern for the poor, captivated many worldwide. However, his critiques of capitalism and climate change often alienated more conservative factions within the Church. Following the announcement of his death, bells tolled in church towers across Rome, with the news delivered by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis resided.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” stated Ferrell. Pope Francis had battled chronic lung disease throughout his life, which included the removal of part of one lung in his youth. He was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, due to a respiratory crisis that escalated into double pneumonia, marking the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
Remarkably, Francis made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing thousands in St. Peter’s Square and surprising the crowd with a popemobile tour, prompting cheers and applause. Prior to this, he briefly met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, showcasing his commitment to outreach even in his final days. This blessing took place from the same loggia where he was first introduced to the world on March 13, 2013, as the 266th pope. From that initial greeting of “Buonasera” (“Good evening”), Pope Francis signaled a new direction for the papacy, emphasizing humility and a commitment to serve the marginalized.
From his election, Francis brought a breath of fresh air to the Catholic Church, which had seen its influence wane during the troubled papacy of Pope Benedict XVI. However, his progressive stance soon drew criticism from conservatives, particularly regarding his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and his efforts to reform traditionalist practices. His greatest challenge arose in 2018 when he mishandled a clergy sexual abuse case in Chile, reigniting scandals that had plagued the Church for decades.
As the pandemic swept the globe, Francis navigated the unprecedented challenges of leading a universal religion from a locked-down Vatican City. He urged the world to reconsider the economic and political systems that he believed favored the wealthy over the poor. “We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented,” he remarked during a particularly poignant address in March 2020.
Pope Francis was elected with a mandate to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and finances. He sought to instigate significant changes while maintaining the Church's core doctrines. His famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” regarding a gay priest, signaled a welcoming approach to the LGBTQ+ community, challenging the Church's long-standing views on homosexuality. He also advocated for the abolition of the death penalty and deemed the possession of nuclear weapons as “immoral.”
In several groundbreaking initiatives, he approved an agreement with China regarding the nomination of bishops, aimed at easing longstanding tensions. His commitment to fostering dialogue with other religions was evident through his visits to the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq, emphasizing the importance of interfaith relations.
While Francis did not allow for the ordination of women, he did implement reforms to elevate their roles within the Church. He appointed women to key decision-making positions and permitted them to serve as lectors and acolytes in parishes. Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the highest-ranking women in the Vatican, highlighted that Francis envisioned a church characterized by reciprocity and respect between men and women.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis consistently emphasized the Church as a refuge for all, particularly for the marginalized. He extended invitations to migrants, the poor, prisoners, and outcasts, emphasizing that “todos, todos, todos” (“everyone, everyone, everyone”) should feel welcome in the Church. His approach to leadership was defined by mercy and charity, advocating for the protection of the environment and the welcoming of those fleeing war and poverty.
Despite his progressive initiatives, Pope Francis faced significant backlash from conservative factions within the Church, particularly due to his comments on divorce, annulments, and same-sex blessings. Critics accused him of diluting traditional Catholic teachings and creating disunity within the Church. Francis often responded to conflict with silence, focusing instead on his pastoral duties.
He made it easier for married Catholics to obtain annulments and allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, opening the door for a more inclusive Church. His willingness to engage in discussions about contentious issues like homosexuality and divorce marked a significant shift in Church policy.
Pope Francis lived simply, often choosing to reside in the Vatican hotel instead of the Apostolic Palace and favoring humble transportation over traditional papal luxuries. He famously stated, “I see clearly that the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful.” His commitment to social justice and the marginalized was a cornerstone of his papacy, echoing the teachings of Jesus.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, he was the eldest of five children of Italian immigrants. His early life was deeply influenced by his devout grandmother, who instilled in him a strong sense of spirituality. Francis’s religious calling began at the age of 17, ultimately leading him to pursue a life of service within the Church.
Pope Francis's tenure was not without controversy. Accusations arose regarding his actions during Argentina's military dictatorship, where he was criticized for not publicly confronting the regime's human rights abuses. However, as Pope, he worked to make amends for past grievances, formally apologizing to Indigenous peoples and advocating for social justice.
His dedication to the vulnerable was evident in his ministry, as he often sought out those marginalized by society. His initial papal trip was to Lampedusa, a focal point of Europe’s migration crisis, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the plight of refugees and migrants.
Pope Francis leaves behind a complex legacy marked by a commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and a renewed focus on the marginalized. His progressive approach and willingness to challenge entrenched norms have both inspired and polarized the global Catholic community. As the Church reflects on his tenure, the impact of his teachings on mercy, inclusion, and the importance of a ‘poor Church for the poor’ will undoubtedly shape its future.
In conclusion, Pope Francis's passing marks the end of a significant era for the Catholic Church. His legacy of compassion, reform, and outreach will continue to resonate in the hearts of many as the Church navigates the challenges of the future.
