Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, passed away on April 21, 2025, at age 88, marking the end of a historic and often polarizing papacy. His tenure was defined by a deep push for reform, humility in leadership, and outreach to marginalized communities.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, officially confirmed the pontiff’s passing at 7:35 a.m., noting that “the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” The Pope had been hospitalized for over a month with severe pneumonia but made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, waving to crowds from an open popemobile.
World leaders have expressed their admiration for Pope Francis. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos lauded him for his heart for the poor, while Speaker Martin Romualdez recalled the Pope’s moving visit to Leyte following Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. King Charles and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also praised his global humanitarian efforts.
Elected in 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first non-European pope in more than a millennium. His leadership came at a time when the Catholic Church faced internal strife and external scandal. He was chosen with a mandate to bring unity and accountability—tasks that often drew criticism from both conservative and progressive Catholics.
Francis championed reforms that brought women and laypeople into more prominent Vatican roles, encouraged interfaith dialogue, and promoted inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals. He also challenged Church traditions—washing the feet of women and non-Christians during Holy Thursday rites, refusing the traditional papal residence, and living modestly at the Vatican guesthouse.
Despite resistance, especially over his decisions on Latin Mass restrictions and same-sex blessings, Francis became a global figure beloved for his humility and advocacy for the voiceless. His 2015 trip to the Philippines left a lasting impact, particularly his emotional encounter with typhoon survivors in Tacloban.
With about 80% of current cardinal-electors appointed by him, there’s speculation that his successor may carry forward his vision, although some experts expect a more centrist approach.
Francis named himself after Saint Francis of Assisi, known for peace, poverty, and love for creation—ideals that echoed through every stage of his papacy.