Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 88. He died at 7:35 AM in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, following a prolonged battle with respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced his death and highlighted Pope Francis’s lifelong dedication to serving the Church and advocating for the marginalized.
Early Life and Jesuit Formation
The son of Italian immigrants, Bergoglio was raised in a modest household in Buenos Aires. At the age of 21, he suffered a severe respiratory infection that led to the removal of part of his right lung. This health challenge did not deter him from pursuing his vocation; he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958, took his first vows in 1960, and was ordained a priest in 1969. He later served as the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina during the tumultuous years of the military dictatorship.
Rise in the Church Hierarchy
Bergoglio was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and became its archbishop in 1998. Known for his humility and commitment to social justice, he was elevated to cardinal in 2001. During Argentina’s economic crisis in 2001, he was vocal against police brutality and emphasized the Church’s role in supporting the poor.
Papacy and Reforms
Elected as the 266th pope in March 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, he chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his dedication to humility and care for the poor. He became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope.
Significant reforms and a focus on inclusivity marked Pope Francis’s papacy. He addressed controversial issues with compassion, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay individuals. He also emphasized environmental stewardship through his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si'” and worked towards transparency in addressing clerical sexual abuse.
Final Years and Legacy
In his later years, Pope Francis faced health challenges, including bronchitis and pneumonia, which hospitalized him in February 2025. Despite his ailments, he fulfilled his papal duties, including delivering the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on Easter Sunday, the day before his passing.
Honouring his wishes for simplicity, Pope Francis will be buried in a simple wooden casket at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This will make him the first pope since Leo XIII to be buried outside the Vatican.
Pope Francis leaves a legacy of compassion, humility, and a commitment to reforming the Church to serve its followers better and address contemporary issues.
