End of an Era

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America and a notable figure for his progressive approach within the Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death, stating that he returned “to the home of the Father” at 7:35 AM.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, expressed, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” reflecting on the pope’s teachings of faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the marginalized.

Health Struggles and Final Days

Throughout his adult life, Pope Francis dealt with respiratory issues due to a past battle with pneumonia that resulted in the partial removal of one lung. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, which escalated into a respiratory tract infection.

By the end of February, he was recorded in critical condition following an asthmatic crisis, requiring oxygen and a blood transfusion. Reports indicated he was also suffering from pneumonia and mild kidney failure. After spending 38 days in the hospital, he was discharged on March 23.

His last public appearance occurred on Easter Sunday, where he blessed crowds in St. Peter’s Square and met briefly with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

A Final Message

In his concluding message, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of freedom of religion and expression, urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and calling for aid in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. He voiced his compassion for both Israeli and Palestinian peoples and highlighted the need for peace.

His Papacy: A Mixed Legacy

Pope Francis’s tenure was marked by both praise and criticism. He initiated a more open dialogue on issues traditionally seen as taboo within the Catholic Church, such as LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and divorce. However, his progressive stance drew backlash from conservative factions within the Church.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he initially pursued a career in chemical technology before entering the priesthood. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and, upon his election as pope in 2013, became the first Jesuit and non-European pope in over a thousand years. His commitment to simplicity was evident in his choice to live in a modest residence instead of the traditional papal apartments.

Advocacy and Controversies

Pope Francis gained recognition for advocating on behalf of the environment and economic equity. In 2024, during a climate summit, he noted a stark disparity in pollution contributions between wealthy and poorer nations, urging a collective response to the climate crisis.

His openness regarding homosexuality signaled a shift in Church policy, notably when he stated, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Though he advocated for compassion, he faced criticism for not fully endorsing same-sex marriage and for remarks made in 2024 that were labeled homophobic.

His leadership encountered challenges, including an apology issued in 2018 concerning allegations against a bishop, and he faced scrutiny over the Church’s handling of clerical sexual abuse allegations.

A Simpler Farewell

Reflecting his personal philosophy, Pope Francis has requested a simplified funeral, diverging from the elaborate customs typically associated with the papal leadership. Details regarding his funeral services are pending. Following his passing, the College of Cardinals will convene within 15 to 20 days to elect a successor.