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Rome — Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, marking the end of a papacy characterized by a commitment to reform within the Catholic Church and an emphasis on compassion for the marginalized. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, indicating that he died shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday. This news comes just a day after he surprised followers by appearing in public on Easter Sunday.
In his statement, Cardinal Farrell reflected on Francis’ life of service, noting, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.” He then entrusted Pope Francis’ soul to the mercy of God.
Over recent years, Pope Francis faced significant health challenges, undergoing two abdominal surgeries and battling various respiratory infections. His hospitalization for bronchitis, which developed into pneumonia in early 2025, lasted five weeks, during which he commemorated the 12th anniversary of his papacy from his hospital room.
Despite these ailments, he maintained his duties, engaging in interviews and expressing his prayers for peace in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine. However, during public appearances, he was visibly struggling with his health, often requiring assistance.
Francis, elected by his peers in 2013, quickly distinguished himself from previous popes with his humble approach. His first act as pontiff broke with tradition; rather than immediately blessing the gathered crowd in St. Peter’s Square, he asked the faithful to pray for him, signaling a new tone of service and humility that defined his leadership.
Choosing the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, he emphasized a vision of a “poorer Church” that sought inclusion for all, especially the marginalized. He opted to reside in the modest Santa Marta residence instead of the opulent papal apartments and often engaged directly with the public, eschewing the traditional bulletproof “popemobiles.” “I cannot greet people from inside a sardine can,” he famously remarked.
His popularity grew as he consistently advocated for the voiceless and took bold steps to address pressing global issues, from poverty to climate change. He published an encyclical focusing on environmental stewardship and undertook significant reforms within the Church’s hierarchical structure, including the inclusion of laypeople in Vatican offices traditionally reserved for clergy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he adapted by continuing to address the public even in an empty St. Peter’s Square, illustrating his dedication to pastoral care amidst difficulties. His commitment was further exemplified when he made a historic visit to Iraq in 2021, aiming to heal wounds of the past and encourage interfaith dialogue.
In 2021, health concerns intensified when he underwent surgery for a colon issue, marking the first time he required hospitalization since becoming pope. Later, a knee injury further limited his movements, leading to speculation about his future in the papacy. His response to the personal and institutional challenges, including the crisis of clerical abuse, involved instituting new regulations and encouraging transparency within the Church.
Pope Francis’ background as the son of Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires, combined with a youthful experience of illness, shaped his understanding of struggle and compassion. His ministry was marked by a dedicated outreach to those living on the margins of society, including the poor and disenfranchised individuals in Buenos Aires’ slums.
Throughout his pontificate, he also deftly waded into complex social issues, offering a more welcoming stance toward LGBTQ individuals while simultaneously upholding traditional Church teachings on matters like same-sex marriage and female ordination. His comments, including the phrase “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay individuals, sparked both hope and criticism, illustrating the delicate balance he navigated in addressing contemporary issues within the Church’s framework.
As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, his journey from a modest upbringing in Argentina to becoming a global symbol of humility, mercy, and reform will be remembered. His unexpected elevation to the papacy in 2013 transformed not only his life but also the Catholic Church, as he sought to embody the values of Christ in a rapidly changing world.
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