The current Roman Catholic pontiff, the 266th in line, cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, famously known as Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88 on the 21st of April, 2025 (Easter Monday), around 7:35 am local time. He died in Casa Santa Marta, located within the Vatican, after suffering from a long-term illness and battling double pneumonia recently.
Remarkably Understated Papacy
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Latin American pope to take charge. He was announced as Benedict’s XEVI’ s successor on March 13, 2013. He kicked off the tradition of Jesuit popes and initiated a different narrative to the Vatican region. It is known that during his reign, he greatly concentrated on social problems and worked at length to improve people’s lives, earning him the title of ‘humble.’ St Francis of Assisi was chosen by him to christen Notre Dame due to his undying support for the poorer section of society. This has deeply marked his policies.
Social Rights Protector
Pope Francis championed numerous causes regarding social rights throughout the twelve years of his papacy. Other than social rights, he dedicated efforts towards climate change, poverty, and put great emphasis on sympathy towards migrants and refugees too.In his papacy, he focused on inclusivity, advocating for the Church to become more accepting towards members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who were marginalized by faith .
Final Days And Global Tributes
In spite of his health deteriorating, Pope Francis performed his duties and gave his last Easter blessing on the 20th of April, 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica. This was followed by his death which catalyzed an outpour of memoriam from broad spectrums of the globe. During this time, Queen Camilla and King Charles mourned deeply, expressing their sadness due to recalling their recent visit with the Pope and his wonderful compassion and advocacy on global concern issues. U. S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met the Pope just a couple of weeks before his death, remarked how sickly the Pope looked. However, despite the illness, coupled with kindness, he also shared some Easter chocolates and rosaries for Vance’s children .
A Legacy Of Reform And Compassion
With the church in need of internal change, the leadership of Pope Francis was constructive, aiming towards moderating the church. His papacy increased the transparency of the Vatican’s finances along with confronting the scandals of clerical abuse, even though some of these responses were blamed and did receive criticism. A modern approach towards Unforgivable Acts of Abuse Clergy was placed alongside heavy emphasis on mercy, service, and inclusion, all aimed towards making the Church a place for everyone.
The Road Ahead: Choosing the Successor
Throughout mourning and reflecting upon the life of Pope Francis, the Catholic church is preparing to take the next step. After his demise, the Vatican is ready to start planning for a conclave that picks the new pope. This decision will be bound to the intent directions of the Church. While the world is mourning, we make sure that his contributions to the ecclesiastical world will be remembered. His undying spirit towards humanity, respect, care gave tremendous support towards social evangelism which has and will inspire millions for the time to come.
