Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pope, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. He passed away at 07:35 local time on Easter Monday, just hours after delivering what would become his final Easter message. His message was a moving call for global peace, forgiveness, and disarmament.
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: The Making of Pope Francis
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Francis grew up the son of Italian immigrants.He worked briefly as a chemical technician before entering the Society of Jesus and becoming a Jesuit priest in 1969.
Known early on for his humility, simple lifestyle, and deep pastoral care, he rose to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was later created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected pope in March 2013. He chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, a symbol of poverty, peace, and care for creation.
Throughout his papacy, Francis championed the causes of the poor, spoke out against global inequality, and called for a more inclusive and merciful Church.
A Papacy Marked by Mercy, Justice, and Reform
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis became a global figure not only within the Church but in international affairs. His major milestones include:
- Championing Mercy and Reform: He declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2015-2016, calling Catholics to focus on forgiveness and compassion over judgment.
- Speaking for the Marginalized: Francis relentlessly advocated for refugees, migrants, the poor, and victims of injustice. His first trip outside Rome as pope was to the island of Lampedusa, to mourn migrants who had drowned trying to reach Europe.
- Environmental Leadership: In 2015, he published Laudato Si’, an encyclical on the environment, urging the world to take urgent action against climate change and to protect the planet for future generations.
- Promoting Synodality: He sought to shift the Church toward greater listening and dialogue, encouraging synods for open discussion. These addressed complex issues like family life, divorce, and LGBTQ Catholics.
- Diplomatic Engagements: Francis helped broker improved relations between the United States and Cuba. He also consistently called for peace in conflict zones like Ukraine, Syria, and South Sudan.
- Standing Firm on Justice: He spoke openly against clerical sexual abuse and took steps toward greater transparency and accountability. Critics, however, argued that stronger action was needed.
A Final Message of Hope to a Troubled World
Despite his age and health issues, including hospitalizations and colon surgery, Francis remained visibly active until the end.
On Easter Sunday, still recovering from bilateral pneumonia, he appeared at St Peter’s Square. From the loggia of the basilica, he greeted thousands of worshippers gathered in the spring air. Unable to speak for long, he entrusted Archbishop Diego Ravelli to deliver his Urbi et Orbi message.
“Urbi et Orbi,” meaning “to the city and the world,” is the Pope’s solemn blessing. It is traditionally delivered from St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter, Christmas, and after a new pope’s election.
“Christ is risen,” he proclaimed through Archbishop Ravelli. “Christ, my hope, has risen.” In his message, Francis urged believers to see the resurrection not as an abstract event but as a living force. One that transforms suffering, triumphs over hatred, and dispels darkness with light. “Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood,” he said. “Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge.”
In his final public appearance, Pope Francis stayed true to his mission of calling the world to compassion, peace, and mercy. He affirmed that while evil persists, it holds no power over those who embrace the grace of Christ’s resurrection.
Tributes from around the world have poured in. French President Emmanuel Macron called him “a man of humility,” while others remembered his “contagious smile” and “boundless compassion.” His passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. One defined by openness, advocacy for the marginalized, and an unshakable commitment to peace.
A month before his death, Francis was discharged after battling a lung infection. His final message now stands as a profound epitaph. A voice still urging the world to heal, forgive, and embrace hope.
With his passing, the ancient process of electing a new pope begins. But the spirit of Francis’s papacy and his final, urgent call for peace, will not be easily forgotten.
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