Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America and a leading voice for the poor, migrants, and environmental stewardship, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Monday.
The Argentine-born pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time, following a prolonged period of health challenges. His death was confirmed in a statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said the pontiff had “returned to the house of the Father” after a life dedicated to “the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Francis, who assumed the papacy in March 2013 following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, quickly emerged as a transformative figure in the modern Catholic Church. His tenure was marked by efforts to shift the Church’s focus toward inclusivity and humility, as well as attempts at structural reform in the face of internal resistance and global scrutiny.
A Health-Strained Final Year
Pope Francis had experienced a number of serious health issues in recent years. In February, he was hospitalized with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. Medical updates released by the Vatican throughout that month described complications including low platelet levels—linked to anemia—as well as mild kidney failure. His condition remained critical through late March, prompting a 38-day hospital stay.
Though he made a brief appearance on Easter Sunday and resumed limited public activities, doctors had prescribed ongoing respiratory therapy and 24-hour medical supervision. A fungal lung infection continued to be monitored.
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican
Born in 1936 to Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires, Bergoglio entered the priesthood in 1969 and became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He was elevated to cardinal in 2001. His election as pope in 2013 marked a turning point in Church history, not only as the first Jesuit and the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, but as a leader with a distinctly pastoral, rather than doctrinal, approach.
Francis became known as “the People’s Pope,” frequently emphasizing service to the marginalized. He eschewed papal luxury—opting for a modest guesthouse over the Apostolic Palace—and often traveled in simple vehicles during international visits.
Progressive Image, Conservative Limits
The pope made global headlines early in his papacy when he responded to a question about gay clergy by saying, “Who am I to judge?” That comment signaled a shift in tone regarding LGBTQ issues, though the Vatican’s official position remained largely unchanged.
Francis also used his platform to advocate for climate action, greater attention to refugees, and economic justice. He repeatedly challenged the excesses of capitalism, echoing themes of his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for global ecological and economic reform.
Despite his progressive image, Francis reaffirmed traditional Church positions on a number of issues. In 2024, he signed Dignitas Infinita (“Infinite Dignity”), a document that reinforced opposition to gender transition, surrogacy, abortion, and euthanasia. Later that year, reports emerged that the pope had used a homophobic slur in private, leading to criticism from within liberal Catholic circles.
The Road Ahead
The death of Pope Francis sets in motion the process of the papal conclave, during which the College of Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor. Traditionally, this process occurs within 15 to 20 days of a pope’s death.
Francis’ legacy, shaped by both bold gestures and institutional limitations, will be the subject of reflection and debate for years to come. His efforts to bring the Catholic Church closer to its pastoral roots resonated with many, even as he faced challenges navigating doctrinal conservatism and global political shifts.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Farrell said in his statement. “With immense gratitude for his example, we commend his soul to God’s infinite mercy.”
Source:TheDotNews