Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at 7:35 am, aged 88. He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936. During his life, he aimed to do justice to the Church by promoting its active social conscience. His contributions to the Catholic community and the world at large are profound, marked by a commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
When Pope Francis was elected in 2013 many thought he would change the church. With his now-famous motto “Who am I to judge?” he offered a new vision for the Church — a Church of welcome, especially to the LGBT community. His teachings often highlighted the divide between the rich and the poor and called for urgent action on climate change. He had extraordinary health hurdles, surviving a partial lung removal at age 21 and a hospitalization for pneumonia this past March, 2023. His dedication to his mission never faltered, even in his last days.
Global leaders and religious figures continue to post modifications, followed by his death. With this tribute, they are celebrating his rare gift to engage and inspire everyone from activists to aristocrats. Pope Francis’s legacy as a true friend of humanity. Consideration for others transcends borders and is felt in every faith community and neighborhood around the globe.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Pope Francis’s transformative trip started at home in Buenos Aires, where he was born to Italian immigrants. Ordained a priest in 1969, he ascended the ecclesiastical hierarchy, gaining prominence early on in the Church. His election as pope was a watershed event in the history of race relations. This made him the first Latin American pontiff and the first Jesuit to assume this pivotal role.
Despite health problems during his papacy, he was able to keep a robust evangelization and missionary spirit at the forefront. After having surgery for an abdominal hernia in early 2023, he continued with his busy schedule. His harrowing resolve and courage galvanized thousands, cementing his standing as a true man of God.
Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell reflected on Pope Francis’s dedication, stating, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
Impact on Society and the Church
Pope Francis was a transformative figure in the Catholic Church and the world. He was perhaps best known for his unabashedly liberal views, which frequently contested traditional Church practices. His relentless advocacy for every marginalized community and calls for ambitious, immediate climate action made clear that his dedication to the tenets of social justice ran deep.
We have a duty to act He never wavered on the idea that protecting creation was a fundamental expression of faith. Stephen Cottrell noted, “His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Pope Francis had a great sense of humor and warmth. Whoopi Goldberg once honored him as “the beacon of our humanity and our laughter.” She focused the praise on his extraordinary gift for reaching people of all ideological stripes.
Tributes from Global Leaders
In his passing, world leaders showered accolades and lamentations on Pope Francis, mourning the loss and celebrating the impact of his life. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, shared his grief, stating, “It is with a deep sense of personal sadness that I mourn the death of my friend, His Holiness Pope Francis.” He understood that Pope Francis’s leadership went far beyond Catholicism, influencing other faith communities in the process.
“His call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs” resonated deeply during his papacy.
Prince Albert of Monaco conveyed his condolences on behalf of his family and the Principality: “It is with infinite sadness and deep sorrow that we learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on this Easter Monday.”
The tributes pay consistent and deep respect for his role as a spiritual leader. They recognize his tireless work to bring people together across divides, to heal our communities and help people understand one another.
