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Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Humility, Reform, and Global Impact
Apr
The Final Days of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His death followed a prolonged battle with health issues, including a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia and bronchitis. Despite his ailments, he remained active in his duties, delivering his final Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica just a day before his passing.
The Vatican confirmed his death in a statement, noting that he died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. local time. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
A Life Dedicated to Service and Simplicity
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to ascend to the papacy. Before his religious calling, he worked various jobs, including as a janitor and nightclub bouncer. He was ordained in 1969 and became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. In 2001, he was appointed cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
Known for his humility, Pope Francis chose to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse instead of the traditional Apostolic Palace. He often emphasized simplicity and community living, stating that he preferred to “live in community with others.”
Progressive Reforms and Global Advocacy
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by progressive stances on various global issues. He advocated for same-sex civil unions, stating that homosexual individuals “have a right to a family.” He also condemned anti-gay laws and called for the abolition of the death penalty.
His commitment to addressing climate change, economic inequality, and the plight of migrants and refugees positioned him as a transformative figure in the Catholic Church. He described the treatment of Indigenous students in Canadian residential schools as genocide, showcasing his willingness to confront historical injustices.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his progressive views, Pope Francis faced criticism, particularly regarding his handling of sexual abuse scandals within the Church. In 2016, he defended a bishop accused of covering up abuse, later apologizing and acknowledging the pain caused to victims.
Additionally, he was accused of using a homophobic slur in his later years, prompting the Vatican to issue an apology, stating that the Pope “never intended to offend.”
A Lasting Legacy
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a 12-year papacy that sought to modernize the Catholic Church and make it more inclusive. His emphasis on humility, social justice, and global advocacy left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
In accordance with his wishes, his funeral will be a simplified affair, with plans to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
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