Pope Francis, pioneering Jesuit pontiff, dies at 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, died at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025. His papacy spanned twelve years and was characterized by a commitment to social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue . Notably, his humble approach and emphasis on serving the marginalized generated both admiration and criticism. While many praised his advocacy for the poor and critiques of capitalism, conservative factions within the Church felt alienated by his progressive stances. His death marks a significant moment in contemporary Catholic history.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said: “At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.″

Francis, who had chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on 14 February for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy.

Francis performed the blessing from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world on March 13, 2013 as the 266th pope.

From his first greeting that night — a remarkably normal “Buonasera” (“Good evening”) — to his embrace of refugees and the downtrodden, Francis signaled a very different tone for the papacy, stressing humility over hubris for a Catholic Church beset by scandal and accusations of indifference.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Italian migrants in Buenos Aires in 1936, was the first Latin American and member of the Jesuit order to be elected pope in the church’s 2,000-year history. He was also the first pope to call himself Francis.

The Argentinian pontiff quickly gained a reputation as a modernizer, with an outward-facing approach which saw him speak out boldly on humanitarian crises, such as migration, war and climate change.

He sought to reform the church by tackling elitist mentalities among the clergy, demanding a compassionate approach to divorced and gay Catholics and insisting that the church welcome everyone.

In addition to his public persona as a compassionate leader, Pope Francis offered introspective reflections in his autobiography "Hope," released shortly before his passing. This work reveals personal insights into his upbringing in Buenos Aires and candid evaluations of past actions . The confessional tone of the book underscores a complex character grappling with humility amidst immense responsibility . His legacy will likely provoke continued discussion regarding the intersection of faith with social justice issues long after he has passed.

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Sarah H

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