Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his death on Monday morning, marking the end of a 12-year papacy defined by reform, global outreach, and controversy. Despite a recent health scare, many found the news unexpected. Just one day earlier, he had appeared in St. Peter’s Square, greeting Easter crowds from his popemobile.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the official announcement on Vatican TV, stating that Francis “returned to the house of the Father” at 7:35 a.m. local time. A ceremonial rite was scheduled for the evening to place his body into a casket, with funeral details to follow. Additionally, the Vatican postponed the canonization of Carlo Acutis, which had been planned for April 27.
Although doctors had prescribed two months of rest after his 38-day hospital stay for pneumonia, Francis continued to make public appearances. In April, he met with King Charles III and U.S. Vice-President JD Vance. On Easter Sunday, he delivered his message with help from an aide, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as he looked on from a balcony.
Global leaders and everyday believers quickly responded with an outpouring of tributes. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “a great man, a great shepherd.” Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised his humility and deep care for the marginalized. In East Timor, President Jose Ramos-Horta reflected on the pope’s 2024 visit, honoring his legacy of justice and human fraternity.
In Rome, citizens and pilgrims expressed heartfelt grief. “He brought so many people closer to the Church,” said Emanuela Tinari, a local resident. “Ordinary people loved him, even if not everyone in power did.”
Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church observers. He broke long-standing precedent by becoming the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope. Rather than move into the ornate papal apartments, he chose to live in a simple Vatican guesthouse, stating that this communal lifestyle benefited his psychological well-being.
During his time in office, Francis pushed for significant reforms. He introduced financial accountability within the Vatican, elevated women to high-ranking positions, and prioritized outreach to non-Catholics through interfaith dialogue. Moreover, he made 47 international trips to over 65 countries, covering more than 465,000 kilometers. These efforts helped him connect deeply with global audiences.
Nevertheless, his papacy was not without tension. Francis faced resistance from within the Church, especially from conservative factions that viewed his approach as too progressive. At the same time, progressives criticized him for not moving quickly enough on critical issues like LGBTQ rights and female clergy. He also struggled to fully address the Church’s ongoing sexual abuse crisis, leaving many unsatisfied with the steps taken.
Adding to the complexity of his papacy, Francis led the Church while former Pope Benedict XVI remained in residence at the Vatican. This unusual coexistence lasted nearly a decade until Benedict’s death in 2022. For many conservatives, Benedict symbolized traditional Catholic values, while Francis represented a more pastoral and modern vision of the Church.
By the end of his tenure, Francis had significantly influenced the Church’s direction. He appointed nearly 80% of the current cardinal electors, increasing the likelihood that his successor will continue his reformist agenda. Despite internal conflicts, his appointments could shape the papacy for years to come.
Above all, Pope Francis will be remembered for his compassion, courage, and relentless advocacy for the poor and marginalized. While he may not have pleased everyone, he redefined what it meant to be a global spiritual leader. His death closes an important chapter in Church history, yet his legacy will continue to resonate around the world.
