On April 21, 2025, Easter Monday, the world bid farewell to one of the most beloved and transformative leaders of the modern Catholic Church: Pope Francis. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European to be elected pope in over a millennium. He passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
A Humble Beginning
Before becoming pope, Francis was known for his modesty and closeness to the people. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived in a small apartment, cooked his own meals, and took public transportation. That same humility defined his papacy from the moment he was elected on March 13, 2013.
Instead of residing in the traditional papal palace, Pope Francis chose a simpler life at the Vatican guesthouse. He frequently reminded the Church that its mission was to serve, not to rule, becoming a symbol of humility, mercy, and compassion.
His Legacy and Contributions
Church Reform: Pope Francis worked to increase transparency in the Vatican’s finances and pushed for accountability within the Church hierarchy.
Social Justice: A tireless advocate for the poor, immigrants, and marginalized communities, he often emphasized, “The Church must be poor and for the poor.”
Environmental Advocacy: His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ made waves worldwide, urging people of all faiths to take action against climate change and environmental destruction.
Interfaith Dialogue: He prioritized building bridges with other religions and promoting peace in regions of conflict.
Pastoral Approach: Known for his softer stance on sensitive topics, Pope Francis created space for more open conversations about LGBTQ+ Catholics, divorced individuals, and women’s roles in the Church.
FAQs about Pope Frances
More than a religious figure, Pope Francis was a global moral leader. He redefined what it meant to be a pope in the 21st century, choosing connection over distance, listening over preaching, and love over judgment.
As the world remembers him, his message lives on: “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”
