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Pope Francis, who served as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, has passed away at age 88, according to a statement from the Vatican. His papacy was marked by a commitment to inclusivity and empathy, particularly for marginalized communities including Indigenous peoples affected by Canada’s residential school system.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared via the Vatican’s television channel. He announced that “at 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s unexpected resignation. Francis was notable for being the first pope from Latin America, the first from the Jesuit order, and the first to adopt the name Francis.
WATCH | Pope Francis makes historic apology to Indigenous people, asking for forgiveness:
Pope Francis ‘deeply sorry’ for abuses carried out in residential schools
WARNING: This story contains distressing details.
In a significant moment during his papacy, Pope Francis issued a historic apology to Indigenous peoples, acknowledging the involvement of certain members of the Catholic Church in Canada’s “devastating” residential school policies. Although this apology was heartfelt for many, it fell short for some survivors.
In the spring of 2022, he described the actions of the Church in the residential school system as “deplorable,” and later characterized it as a cultural “genocide.”
Humble Beginnings Before Religious Life
Upon emerging on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after his election, Francis humorously remarked that the cardinals “almost went to the ends of the Earth” to find him. Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, to Italian immigrant parents, he was the eldest of five siblings.
As a child, Francis helped in the family grocery store, engaged in soccer, and took tango lessons. His religious upbringing was traditional, though he did not deeply commit until a transformative experience during his teenage years, which led him to join the Jesuits in 1969. He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming head of the Jesuits in Argentina, archbishop of Buenos Aires, and later a cardinal.
‘A Poor Church, for the Poor’
Francis was known for his progressive approach to leadership, showing less interest in rigid doctrinal enforcement in favor of welcoming those feeling marginalized. He stated his vision of a Church committed to serving the poor, exemplified by his decision to live in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the lavish Apostolic Palace.
In a break from tradition, he moved the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony to prisons, washing the feet of inmates that included women and non-Christians.
‘Who Am I to Judge?’
Shortly after becoming pope, in June 2013, Francis stirred conversation when he expressed openness towards members of the LGBTQ+ community, stating, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has goodwill, who am I to judge?” He later advocated for same-sex couples to participate in church life alongside their children.
Mark Guevara, a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and Concerned Lay Catholics of Canada, acknowledged the hope and joy Francis’s words brought to many. His papacy also included a decision allowing informal blessings for same-sex unions, showing a minor shift in the Church’s approach to such relationships.
Environmental Advocacy
In June 2015, Pope Francis released Laudato si’, the first papal encyclical directed at environmental concerns, which highlighted the urgency for global action on climate change. This was followed by Laudate Deum, issued eight years later.
Throughout his papacy, he publicly acknowledged the Church’s role in colonial injustices and visited Canada to express sorrow and seek reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, though some felt his apologies did not address the institutional failings adequately.
Comments on the Ukraine Conflict
In early 2024, the Pope suggested to Ukraine that they should demonstrate “the courage of the white flag” in seeking negotiations with Russia. This statement led to significant backlash, including from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, prompting clarifications from the Vatican regarding the Pope’s intentions.
Addressing Sexual Abuse Scandals
Pope Francis aimed to foster transparency in the Vatican amidst ongoing challenges concerning allegations of financial and sexual misconduct within the Church. He established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors but faced criticism that his efforts to address years of abuse scandals were insufficient.
Notably, he walked back initial defenses of high-profile figures involved in abuse cases, publicly acknowledging his errors. Regrettably, victims have continued to express disappointment over the pace of change within the Church.
Views on Abortion
Despite seeming progressive on various social issues, Pope Francis held firm against abortion, likening it to “hiring a hitman.” He respected the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and retained traditional Catholic views on issues of life and morality.
While he appointed women to various roles within the Vatican and allowed for increased participation in church gatherings, Francis maintained a traditional stance against women’s ordination, reflecting the ongoing tension between reform and tradition within the Church.
Health Concerns Throughout His Papacy
Pope Francis had long faced health challenges, which were exacerbated by the demands of leading the Catholic Church. He had a part of his lung removed in his youth and underwent multiple surgeries later in life, leading to frequent hospitalizations and ongoing health issues.
Legacy and Successor
As cardinals gather in Rome for the conclave to elect the next pope, Francis’s influence remains significant, as 73% of the voting cardinals were appointed by him. However, experts predict that the upcoming election may reflect a shift away from his progressive values.
Many believe Francis’s legacy as a global leader who widened the Church’s perspective beyond European concerns will shape the future, fostering a more diverse and unpredictable leadership within the Vatican.
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www.cbc.ca