VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, known for his compassionate gestures and humility, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Throughout his pontificate, he demonstrated the profound impact of simple acts, such as embracing those marginalized by society. From the very beginning of his papacy, he greeted those gathered in St. Peter’s Square with a warm and unpretentious “Buonasera” (“Good evening”), capturing the hearts of many worldwide.
His farewell to the faithful came just a day before his death, as he blessed the public from the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony on Easter, wishing everyone a happy Easter before traversing the square in his popemobile for a final time. The Vatican disclosed that a stroke caused Pope Francis to slip into a coma, leading to heart failure, shortly after recovering from pneumonia.
Taking charge after his election on March 13, 2013, Francis endeavored to steer the Vatican into a new era. Among his notable actions was the welcoming of Syrian refugees from a Greek camp back to Rome, highlighting his emphasis on compassion over doctrine, even if it sparked resistance amongst conservatives.
Notably, he addressed LGBTQ+ issues with empathy, famously remarking, “Who am I to judge?” and later approving blessings for same-sex unions. This progressive approach angered some traditionalists, who accused him of straying from Catholic teachings. His handling of a major sexual abuse scandal in Chile marked a challenging period, testing his leadership as he initially misjudged the situation before making amends with the victims.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis urged the world to rethink socio-economic structures and advocated for unity amidst shared struggles. He became a vocal advocate for environmental care and economic justice, reflecting his belief in a church that caters to all, especially the marginalized, rather than the elite. He famously criticized walls that hinder migration, calling such acts un-Christian.
Under his papacy, Francis initiated reforms within the Vatican, aiming to create a church more inclusive to women and minorities. While solidifying the male, celibate priesthood and opposing abortion, he also embraced roles for women within the Vatican structure. He advanced discussions on previously taboo topics, encouraging bishops to prioritize compassion over strict adherence to rules.
His dedication to the disenfranchised was demonstrated through his travels to impoverished nations and his work to elevate marginalized voices within church leadership. Pope Francis was the first pope named after St. Francis of Assisi, echoing the saint’s devotion to peace, social outcasts, and nature.
Challenging moments arose during his efforts to strengthen the church’s stance against clerical abuse. Although his sex abuse commission initially struggled, he eventually implemented frameworks holding the hierarchy accountable. The fallout from mishaps within the Vatican financial and judicial systems tested his commitment to reform but underscored his determination to rectify longstanding issues.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis grew up loving opera and soccer, drawing spiritual direction from his grandmother. He joined the Jesuit order, which valued discipline and mission, and later faced challenges during Argentina’s military dictatorship. Despite confronting skepticism, he used his influence discreetly to save lives and later rose within the church ranks through resilience and humility.
As pope, his focus remained on inclusion, calling the church a sanctuary for all. He remained committed to reshaping the Vatican’s financial and bureaucratic structure, striving for a church reflective of Jesus’ teachings on mercy and social justice. Although criticisms from conservatives persisted, Francis held firm to his vision, ensuring that his legacy would be one of hope, compassion, and unity.