Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21st, at the age of 88. His death, announced by the Vatican, marked the end of a papacy that spanned 12 years, during which he reshaped the global Church with his emphasis on social justice, peace, and care for the marginalized.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope. He was known for his humility, having chosen the papal name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, a symbol of simplicity and charity. Pope Francis advocated for a more inclusive Church throughout his tenure, prioritizing the needs of the poor, migrants, and refugees. His stance on climate change, economic inequality, and peace in conflict zones was often at odds with more conservative factions within the Church, but it garnered widespread admiration globally.
Pope Francis’ tenure was marked by significant reforms, including his calls for a more decentralized Church and a greater role for women in decision-making. He was also a vocal critic of political leaders who, in his view, failed to address the plight of vulnerable populations, particularly migrants. His final public address, delivered just hours before his death, called for an end to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other war-torn regions, underlining his long-standing commitment to peace and dialogue.
In the wake of his passing, the Vatican now faces the critical task of selecting his successor. The process, known as the “conclave,” involves the College of Cardinals, the body of senior clergy responsible for electing the next pope. The conclave will take place in the coming weeks, following a period of mourning. Cardinals under 80 will secretly gather at the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope, and the process can take days or weeks, depending on the level of consensus among the electors. Once a decision is reached, white smoke will emerge from the chapel, signaling the election of a new pontiff.
The death of Pope Francis has not only left a void in the leadership of the Catholic Church but also prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” At the time of reporting, it is unclear if President Trump plans to fly to Rome to attend Pope Francis’ funeral, with Press Secretary Karoline Levitt not ruling it out. The last president to attend a funeral of a pope was former President George W. Bush, who attended a service for John Paul II.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted on X, “I join Catholics around the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. He embodied the values Christ taught us every day: Helping the less fortunate, calling for peace, and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God. We should all strive to carry on his legacy.”
His legacy, particularly his advocacy for the vulnerable, will likely shape the direction of the Church for years to come as the conclave begins the search for a new leader.
