Pope Francis dies at 88, leaving a legacy of compassion & reform

KATHMANDU: Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in history, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The Vatican confirmed his death, attributing it to complications from a stroke and heart failure, following a recent battle with double pneumonia.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013.

He made history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy.

His election marked a significant shift in the direction of the Church, with his focus on simplicity, social justice, and inclusivity shaping his papacy.

Early Life and Religious Calling

Jorge Bergoglio was born to Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires. He grew up in a modest household, and from an early age, he showed a strong inclination towards faith and service. In his teenage years, he felt a calling to the priesthood and entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1958, where he completed his seminary studies.

Bergoglio was ordained as a priest in 1969 and began his ministry in Argentina. He earned a reputation for his deep spirituality and intellectual approach to theology.

In the 1970s, as Argentina went through a period of political upheaval and military dictatorship, Bergoglio’s role became more prominent as a leader of the Jesuit community. He was appointed provincial of the Jesuit order in Argentina, where he had to navigate the challenges of a brutal regime and the social unrest that came with it.

Rise to Bishop and Cardinal

In 1992, Bergoglio was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 1998, he became the archbishop of the city, a position he held until his election as pope.

As archbishop, Bergoglio was known for his humility, simplicity, and personal connection to the people of Buenos Aires. He often took public transportation, avoided the lavish trappings of high office, and lived in a simple apartment rather than the episcopal residence.

His work was marked by a deep commitment to social justice, particularly advocating for the poor and marginalized in Argentine society. He also played a key role in rebuilding the Church’s presence and influence in a country experiencing economic and social struggles.

In 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated Bergoglio to the rank of cardinal, recognizing his influence and leadership within the Church, particularly in Latin America.

Papacy: A New Vision for the Church

When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, citing health concerns, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected as his successor. Taking the papal name “Francis” after Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of peace and humility, Pope Francis quickly set the tone for his papacy with an emphasis on mercy, compassion, and a more inclusive Church.

He was the first pope to take the name Francis, signaling a shift away from the traditional papal titles. His first major message was to live simply, reflect on the needs of the poor, and care for the environment. Pope Francis expressed a desire to make the Church more open and accessible, especially for those who had felt alienated by its hierarchy and dogma.

Key Themes of His Papacy

• Mercy and Compassion: Pope Francis’s signature theme was his call for mercy. He frequently reminded Catholics and the broader world of the importance of forgiveness and understanding. His declaration of the Year of Mercy (2015-2016) was a major initiative to encourage Catholics to embrace God’s forgiveness and show compassion toward others.

• Social Justice and the Poor: Pope Francis often spoke about the growing gap between the rich and poor, decrying the “throwaway culture” where the poor, immigrants, and marginalized groups are discarded by society. He was a strong advocate for the rights of refugees, advocating for more inclusive immigration policies and speaking out against systemic poverty and economic inequality.

• Climate Change and the Environment: One of his most significant contributions was his encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015), in which he called for urgent action to address climate change. In it, he emphasized the moral imperative to protect the planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants, noting that the poor and future generations would bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

• Interfaith Dialogue: Pope Francis worked to strengthen interfaith relations, particularly with the Muslim community, and took steps to build bridges with other religious groups. His outreach included historic meetings with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Cairo and various ecumenical initiatives with Protestant and Orthodox Christian leaders.

• Reform of the Church: Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized the need for internal reform within the Catholic Church, especially in terms of transparency and accountability. He took steps to address the sexual abuse scandals that had plagued the Church for decades, calling for zero tolerance for abuse and opening pathways for greater accountability.

Final Years and Legacy

In his final years, Pope Francis faced health challenges, including a serious knee problem that limited his mobility. Despite these difficulties, he continued to lead the Church, traveling abroad and addressing critical global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, the crisis in Ukraine, and global poverty.

Pope Francis’s papacy will be remembered for its emphasis on humility, mercy, and social justice, as well as his efforts to create a more inclusive and compassionate Church. His outreach to the poor, advocacy for the environment, and desire to make the Church more transparent and accountable marked a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis’s legacy will undoubtedly influence the direction of the Church for decades to come, with his focus on compassion, inclusivity, and reform having left a lasting impact on the faithful around the world.