Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Known for his humble approach and dedication to the poor, his papacy also drew criticism from conservatives for his views on capitalism and climate change. The Vatican announced that he passed away peacefully, following a long battle with a chronic lung condition that had required part of his lung to be removed earlier in life. His hospitalization for a respiratory crisis in February 2025 marked the longest of his papacy, lasting 38 days.
From his initial greeting as pope with a casual “Buonasera” to his advocacy for refugees, Francis set a unique tone in the Catholic Church. His papacy began on March 13, 2013, and brought new energy to an ancient institution seeking renewal after the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Despite his progressive approach, Francis faced challenges from conservative factions, notably for his outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and his stance on traditionalist issues.
In 2018, he faced significant criticism for his handling of a clerical sexual abuse case in Chile, a scandal that had roots in previous pontificates. The incident highlighted ongoing challenges within the Church concerning abuse. Throughout his leadership, Francis navigated the global COVID-19 pandemic, urging a rethinking of global economic and political structures to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
Pope Francis was tasked with reforming Vatican bureaucracy and finances, but his influence reached beyond these goals. His famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about a gay priest, signaled a more inclusive approach to the LGBTQ+ community and those feeling alienated by strict Church doctrines. He also took a firm stand against the death penalty and the possession of nuclear weapons, labeling both as incompatible with moral values.
Among his significant achievements, Francis mended ties with China over bishop appointments and became the first pope to meet with a Russian patriarch. He also forged new relationships with the Muslim world and affirmed traditional Church positions on celibate priesthood and opposition to abortion.
Francis elevated women to decision-making roles within the Vatican and allowed them to serve as readers and acolytes. His reforms emphasized a Church as a refuge for all, extending its welcome beyond the privileged to include migrants, the poor, and the marginalized.
While some progressives praised his focus on mercy and inclusion, conservatives expressed concern that he might dilute Catholic teachings. Despite challenges, Francis remained committed to expanding the Church’s outreach, allowing blessings for same-sex couples, and providing flexibility for priests dealing with complex pastoral situations.
Pope Francis, who preferred living in the Vatican hotel over the Apostolic Palace, was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, known for his simplicity and compassion. Despite his health struggles, he reached out to marginalized communities, touching lives from Holocaust survivors to informal workers in Argentina.
His papacy was marked by efforts to address clerical sexual abuse, though initial missteps and ongoing challenges persisted. His eventual acknowledgment of errors, particularly in the Chilean case, demonstrated his willingness to confront and rectify issues within the Church.
Following Pope Benedict XVI’s unprecedented resignation, Francis embraced the role of a pontiff who valued pastoral care over doctrinal enforcement. His tenure saw significant shifts in Church policy, though not without resistance from traditionalist factions.
Pope Francis’s legacy reflects his commitment to a Church that prioritizes outreach, mercy, and inclusion, while navigating the complexities of modern global challenges. His leadership marked a pivotal period in the Catholic Church’s history, as he sought to balance tradition with necessary reform and adaptation.
