Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff known for his humble demeanor and focus on aiding the impoverished, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He left a complex legacy, having both endeared himself to many with his progressive views and alienated conservatives with his critiques of capitalism and his outspoken stance on climate change.
Francis had been battling chronic lung disease, having part of one lung removed in his youth. His condition worsened into double pneumonia after being admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, marking the longest hospitalization period of his 12-year papacy, which lasted 38 days.
From his inaugural greeting as pope with a simple “Buonasera” to his advocacy for refugees and marginalized groups, Francis ushered in a new era for the Catholic Church, emphasizing humility and addressing scandal-related indifference issues. His approach signaled a departure from the troubled tenure of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, and his surprise resignation opened the path for Francis’s election.
Despite numerous challenges, including missteps in handling a notorious clergy sexual abuse case in Chile, Francis continued to champion the causes of the oppressed and poor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he urged the world to reconsider economic and political frameworks that favored the wealthy over the poor, calling for global solidarity in an address to an empty St. Peter’s Square in March 2020.
Francis was tasked with reforming the Vatican’s bureaucracy and finances, but he also sought to modernize the church’s approach without altering its core doctrines. He challenged traditional views, such as by welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics and advocating against civil laws criminalizing homosexuality. He altered the Church’s stance on the death penalty, deeming it inadmissible under any circumstance, and declared both the possession and use of nuclear weapons as immoral.
Throughout his papacy, Francis emphasized mercy and inclusivity, allowing women to assume significant roles within the Church. He included women in key decision-making roles and sanctioned their participation in parish services, marking a shift from a pattern of male dominance to one of cooperation.
While maintaining traditional views on ordination and abortion, Francis worked to make the Church a welcoming refuge for all, not just the elite. He often invited those marginalized by society to his table, emphasizing the Church’s role in extending mercy and charity.
His papacy also focused heavily on addressing the sexual abuse scandal affecting the Church. Although initially criticized for his handling of certain cases, Francis took significant steps to rectify wrongs, such as defrocking former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick following an investigation into abuse allegations.
Francis’ tenure was marked by significant changes in Church governance, including financial reforms and increased transparency efforts. His dedication to economic justice and criticism of global financial inequity resonated throughout his leadership, advocating for a “poor Church for the poor” and denouncing exploitative economic systems.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, his religious calling was inspired at a young age, leading him to the Jesuit order. His experiences during Argentina’s dictatorship shaped his later efforts to support the marginalized. Despite early controversies, he emerged as a global religious leader, celebrated for his compassionate outreach and progressive vision for the Catholic Church.