Opinion | An Elegy For A Beloved Pope
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, Opinion | An Elegy For A Beloved Pope April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a transformative era for the Roman Catholic Church, during which he became known for his humility, progressive reforms, and dedication to social justice.
Early Life and Rise to the Papacy
Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the son of Italian immigrants. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. Opinion | An Elegy For A Beloved Pope Bergoglio became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
On March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope, taking the name Francis. He was the first Jesuit pope, Opinion | An Elegy For A Beloved Pope the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium.
Papacy and Reforms
Pope Francis’s tenure was marked by a commitment to humility and inclusivity. He chose to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and emphasized a Church that serves the marginalized and poor. Opinion | An Elegy For A Beloved Pope His leadership style endeared him to many but also drew criticism from conservative factions within the Church.
He was known for his progressive stances on various issues, including support for same-sex civil unions, environmental advocacy, and efforts to address clerical sexual abuse within the Church. His approach often diverged from traditional Vatican norms, leading to both praise and controversy.
Health Challenges and Final Days
In the months leading up to his death, Pope Francis faced several health challenges. He was hospitalized in February 2025 for a respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia, resulting in a 38-day stay at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome. Opinion | An Elegy For A Beloved Pope Despite his health issues, he continued his papal duties, delivering his final public address on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was a stroke leading to irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. His death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
Funeral Arrangements and Legacy
Following his death, the Vatican initiated the traditional protocols for a papal funeral. In accordance with Pope Francis’s wishes, the ceremonies will be simplified. Opinion | An Elegy For A Beloved Pope He will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
Dignitaries from around the world, including Argentine President Javier Milei, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to attend the funeral. The College of Cardinals will convene a conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor, adhering to Church law that stipulates the conclave should begin between 15 to 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant.
Pope Francis’s legacy is one of compassion, reform, and a deep commitment to the core values of the Gospel. His efforts to modernize the Church and address pressing global issues have left an indelible mark on the Catholic community and the world at large.
For more information on Pope Francis’s life and legacy, you can watch the following video:
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