The global community is in mourning following the passing of Pope Francis I at the age of 88. His departure leaves behind a transformative legacy that reshaped the Catholic Church. Known as a pope of the people, Pope Francis will be remembered for his compassion, humility, and innovative approach to the papacy in the modern era.
Since his first appearance on the balcony in 2013, where he requested prayers from the crowd before offering his own, it was evident that his papacy would be unconventional. Pope Francis aimed to stand alongside the faithful rather than rule over them, and his passing has deeply saddened those who walked with him on this journey.
Pope Francis, previously Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had an unexpected background before leading the Catholic Church. Before his papal tenure, he worked as a nightclub bouncer in Buenos Aires, an experience that enhanced his ability to connect with people during his time as pope.
In 2015, Pope Francis surprised environmentalists by releasing “Laudato Si’,” a document passionately advocating for environmental protection from a moral and spiritual perspective, viewing it as a divine duty. He also made significant strides in empowering women within the Church, appointing them to high-ranking positions despite the unchanged stance on female ordination.
Addressing the Church’s challenges head-on, Pope Francis confronted issues of abuse by removing bishops, meeting survivors, and advocating for stricter accountability measures. He also emphasized inclusivity and mercy, reaching out to marginalized groups such as refugees, the poor, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Pope Francis prioritized interfaith dialogue, fostering peace by engaging with leaders of different faiths. His historic election as the first Jesuit pope highlighted his intellectual depth and dedication to education and missionary work, influenced by his Jesuit roots.
Beyond his papal duties, Pope Francis was a devoted fan of San Lorenzo, a football club in Buenos Aires, and had a passion for poetry and classic literature, often quoting renowned authors in his speeches.
Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis chose his papal name as a tribute to the saint’s values of peace, compassion for the poor, and care for the environment. His legacy as a compassionate and progressive leader will endure in the hearts of many across the world.