Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a pivotal role in the development of the contemporary Catholic Church, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. An era characterised by compassion, inclusion, and unrelenting efforts to reform the Church and realign its mission with the demands of a changing world came to an end with his passing. His influence resonates with millions of people of all faiths and cultures, beyond ecclesiastical boundaries.
A Lowly Start
Pope Francis was a humble guy who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936. He studied as a chemist before deciding to follow a religious career and joining the Society of Jesus, commonly referred to as the Jesuits. He is the son of Italian immigrants. His upbringing and Jesuit education influenced his outlook on life, which is based on humility, simplicity, and helping the underprivileged and disenfranchised. He famously avoided the archbishop’s palace when he was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires, opting instead to reside in a modest apartment and use public transit.
The Momentous Election
On March 13, 2013, Pope Francis was chosen to the papacy when Pope Benedict XVI resigned. His election was remarkable in and of itself. He was the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church in more over 1,200 years, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope from the Americas. These firsts served as a metaphor for the profound change he would initiate. He established the tone for a papacy that would value modesty over opulence when he made his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, wearing modest clothing and requesting that the congregation pray for him.
A Voice for the Disenfranchised
Pope Francis made it his mission to draw the Church’s attention to the most disadvantaged people on the planet right now. He rose to prominence as a global spokesperson for the underprivileged, refugees, and victims of exploitation and conflict. He persisted in pressing world leaders to address issues including human trafficking, economic injustice, and climate change. Even outside of the Catholic Church, he was beloved by many for his emphasis on inclusivity and charity.
Issues with Health and Reduction in Vitality
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis’ health had been a constant worry, despite his hectic activity that continued into his late 80s. A respiratory disease he had as a child caused him to lose a portion of one lung, which led to recurrent bronchial issues. He had surgery in 2021 to treat a gastrointestinal ailment. He developed persistent knee pain in the ensuing years and became more and more dependent on a wheelchair or cane. His ability to carry out official duties was impacted in early 2025 by a severe respiratory infection and symptoms of renal insufficiency. Despite brief intervals of recuperation, his health rapidly declined in April, and he passed away quietly in his Vatican home.
Last Days and Worldwide Sorrow
Around the world, vigil services and sad prayers were held in the days preceding his passing. He passed away on April 21 after severe respiratory failure that was made worse by kidney issues. World leaders, religious leaders, and regular people all expressed their profound sadness and affection for him within hours of his death being officially announced. Social media was inundated with tributes, city landmarks turned out their lights, and cathedrals celebrated with special Masses. The widespread mourning was evidence of his popularity around the world and the love he was held in.
The State’s Lying
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims paid their final respects at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Francis’s body was laid in state in accordance with Vatican tradition. Many people described the sombre atmosphere as both solemn and spiritually uplifting. His modest attire, devoid of ostentatious decorations, represented the humility he had advocated throughout his life.
The Funeral
An estimated quarter of a million people attended his burial Mass, which took place in St. Peter’s Square and included dignitaries, chiefs of state, diplomats, and representatives of the main global religions. In accordance with his desires, the ceremony was straightforward. His dedication to mercy, his fervour for justice, and his unshakable belief in communication and peacemaking were highlighted throughout the homily. Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s oldest Marian churches, rather than in the customary papal crypt beneath the Basilica, as a final tribute to his love to the underprivileged. He frequently went there to pray before and after his travels since it held great meaning for him.
A Pope for the Contemporary Era
Pope Francis’s teachings were distinguished by a remarkable fusion of progressive social concern and traditional Catholic dogma. He didn’t hesitate to discuss contentious issues like divorced Catholics, same-sex couples, and the place of women in the Church. His tone was sympathetic and pastoral rather than condemnatory, even if he did not alter doctrine. His strategy gave those who had felt cut off from the Church’s teachings hope and created fresh avenues for discussion within the organisation.
Dedication to the Environment and Climate
The publishing of his environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, was one of his many noteworthy accomplishments. In it, he referred to climate change as a moral and spiritual catastrophe and urged immediate international action. He criticised the depletion of natural resources, unchecked capitalism, and consumerism. This document had a big impact on environmental scientists and international officials in addition to religious groups.
Vatican reform
Pope Francis made internal efforts to restructure the intricate bureaucracy that runs the Vatican, known as the Curia. He sought to streamline governance, combat financial corruption, and promote openness. He made great progress in decentralising power and incorporating local bishops in decision-making, despite opposition to his reforms, especially from powerful Church factions. Although many believed that more effort was needed in this area, he also set tighter standards to deal with cases of sexual assault.
Interfaith Cooperation
Interfaith communication was one of his papacy’s defining characteristics. He fostered peace and understanding by establishing previously unheard-of connections with leaders of the Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist communities. His vision of religious unity in a divided world was symbolised by his Middle East tours, which included a landmark trip to Iraq and meetings with influential Islamic thinkers. He reaffirmed that cooperation between faiths, respect for one another, and shared human dignity were the only foundations upon which peace could be established.
The Church’s Future
His death ushers in a time of change for the Catholic Church. To choose the next pope, the College of Cardinals will meet in a conclave. This choice will be significant because the new pope will inherit Pope Francis’s ambitious reform agenda as well as a flock that has grown more active and hopeful under his leadership. Internal theological differences, growing calls for inclusivity, and dwindling church attendance in the West are just a few of the enormous obstacles. However, Francis’s leadership has created momentum, which offers a solid base.
Recalling the Man
People who worked closely with him remember a man who valued intimate conversations above lofty declarations. He regularly called those who wrote to him, occasionally surprising regular Catholics with a handwritten note or phone call. He shared meals with the destitute, went to prisons, and cleaned the feet of refugees and prisoners. His papacy was about living out Christ’s example in daily life, not only about teaching or ruling.
A Durable Legacy
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church that is more accessible, more sensitive to contemporary issues, and more sensitive to the cries of the most vulnerable people on the planet. He undoubtedly changed how the Catholic Church is viewed around the world, even though not all of his changes were agreed upon by everyone and many arguments are still open. He reminded people of the Church’s role as a living, breathing example of love, service, and human dignity, in addition to its role as a custodian of faith.
In conclusion
Pope Francis’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary life that impacted millions of people, not merely the loss of a religious figure. He was a paradoxical pope—conventional yet radical, modest yet powerful, quiet in manner but influential in effect. The imprint of his vision—one that is based on compassion, unity, and the firm conviction that faith must be carried out in action—remains fresh as the Church now looks to select his successor.