Pope Francis, Beloved for His Humility and Compassion, Dies
Introduction to a Life of Service
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, whose warm, humble, no-nonsense manner galvanized the Roman Catholic Church and drew widespread admiration from outsiders almost from the moment of his surprise election to the throne of St. Peter in 2013, has died. The church’s 266th leader, Francis died Monday morning, the Vatican announced.
A Life Marked by Compassion and Humility
Francis’ death came the morning after he made a high-profile appearance, giving the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican following a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. No cause of death was announced in a statement released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo who will lead the church until a new pope is named. Francis is weeks removed from a lengthy hospital stay to treat pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
Reaction to His Passing
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell’s statement released by the Vatican read. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”
A Legacy of Social Justice and Reform
Francis was beloved by many for his public displays of compassion, commitment to social justice, and willingness to shake up the scandal-ridden Vatican. He largely hewed to the church’s conservative line on social issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights but urged clerics not to be “obsessed with” those issues. His emphasis on God’s love and his demand that the church go out and minister to oppressed and needy people impressed even those who disagreed with him.
Health Issues and Resilience
In the years before his death, the pope was beset by several illnesses. His health again began to deteriorate Feb. 14, when he was admitted to Gemelli hospital for what was described as a respiratory infection. Within days, it had developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Pope Francis arrives as he holds his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Oct. 9, 2024. (Andrew Medichini / Associated Press)
A Stark Contrast to Predecessors
Francis’ nearly 12-year papacy presented a stark change in style and tone from that of his predecessor, the late Benedict XVI, a shy scholar who wrote dense theological treatises and saw the church as a holy institution under siege from an increasingly godless, relativistic society. Francis, by contrast, likened the church to a battlefield hospital tending to the spiritually wounded. A seagull flies in front of Pope Francis as he speaks to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the traditional Sunday noon blessing after the Angelus Prayer on June 2, 2024. (Alessandra Tarantino / Associated Press)
Early Life and Ministry
Francis cut his teeth as an authority figure in his native Argentina. He served for 15 years as the archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he gained his reputation for humility by opting to live in a small apartment, ride the bus, and cook his own meals. He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in the Argentine capital Dec. 17, 1936, the son of Italian immigrants: a railway worker and a homemaker. Pope Francis’ pastoral staff is hit by a ray of the sun during the canonization Mass for 35 new saints in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Oct.15, 2017. (Andrew Medichini / Associated Press)
Election and Papacy
The cardinals who voted for Francis made their own break with tradition. They picked a leader from outside Europe, in an acknowledgment of the increasingly global nature of the Catholic Church. And they selected a Jesuit. Pope Francis, right, hugs Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2014. (Gregorio Borgia / Associated Press)
Reform and Controversy
His attempt to reform the Vatican was marked by both action and a Jesuit penchant for deliberation. New appointees to oversee the Vatican bank tried to bring more transparency to a shadowy institution suspected of laundering money, and a panel of eight cardinals from six continents advised Francis on how to overhaul the Curia. Pope Francis arrives at the annual Bishops’ Conference in the Synod hall at the Vatican in 2018. (Gregorio Borgia / Associated Press)
Conclusion
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and a commitment to social justice. His passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, one that was marked by significant reforms and challenges. As the church moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to feel the impact of Francis’ leadership and vision.
FAQs
- Q: When was Pope Francis born?
- A: Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936.
- Q: Where was Pope Francis from?
- A: Pope Francis was from Argentina, making him the first Latin American pope.
- Q: What was notable about Pope Francis’ papal name?
- A: Pope Francis chose Francis as his papal name, honoring Francis of Assisi and Francis Xavier, signaling the themes of his pontificate, including service to the poor and marginalized.
- Q: What were some of the health issues Pope Francis faced?
- A: Pope Francis faced several health issues, including pneumonia, a complex lung infection, and underwent surgeries for a narrowing of his large intestine and to repair a hernia.
- Q: How did Pope Francis approach social issues?
- A: Pope Francis emphasized God’s love and urged the church to minister to the oppressed and needy, while largely maintaining the church’s conservative line on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, but not being “obsessed” with them.
