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Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, until his passing on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope in history. Before his papacy, he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and President of the Argentine Bishops' Conference.
Key Aspects of His Papacy
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Advocacy for the Marginalized: Pope Francis emphasized compassion for the poor, refugees, and marginalized communities. He was a vocal critic of economic inequality and consumerism, advocating for a more inclusive Church.
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Environmental Stewardship: Through his encyclical Laudato Si', he called for urgent action on climate change and environmental degradation, urging global leaders to adopt sustainable practices.
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Interfaith Dialogue: He worked towards improving relations with other religions, notably Islam and Judaism, promoting peace and mutual respect.
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Church Reforms: Initiated discussions on Church governance and doctrine, including the Synod on Synodality, aiming for a more participatory and inclusive Church structure.
Health Challenges and Final Days
Pope Francis faced several health issues in recent years, including chronic bronchitis, knee problems, and a hernia surgery in 2023. Despite these challenges, he continued his duties until his health declined. On April 20, 2025, he made his final public appearance during the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. The following day, he suffered a stroke, leading to a coma and subsequent cardiac arrest. He passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM local time in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae .
Funeral and Mourning
Following his death, the Vatican opened St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing, allowing thousands to pay their respects. The viewing period began on Wednesday, April 23, and was scheduled to continue for three days ahead of his funeral on Saturday, April 26. Due to the large turnout, the Vatican considered keeping the basilica open past midnight .
A significant security operation is underway for the funeral, with up to 200,000 attendees expected, including international leaders such as Former U.S. President Donald Trump, Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Vatican has implemented extensive security measures, including anti-drone technologies and a "ring of steel" involving thousands of personnel .
Legacy and Final Works
Pope Francis's legacy includes his final memoir, Hope, published in January 2025. The book offers insights into his life, faith, and vision for the Church. Additionally, his last encyclical, Dilexit Nos ("He Loved Us"), released in October 2024, focused on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, urging a return to compassion and unity in a divided world .
In Memoriam
Pope Francis's passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His commitment to humility, social justice, and interfaith dialogue has left an indelible mark on the global religious landscape. As the Church enters a period of mourning and prepares for a papal conclave to elect his successor, his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate Church continues to inspire.
