Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: A Legacy of Compassion and Controversy
Pope Francis, known for shaking up the Vatican with his bold reforms and heartfelt approach to leadership, has passed away at the age of 88. The news came just a day after he waved to thousands from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during Easter Sunday celebrations.
The Argentinian-born leader, who took office in March 2013, had recently spent over a month at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital battling double pneumonia. He was discharged in late March and appeared to be recovering well—until his unexpected passing early Monday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell broke the news to the public, stating that the Bishop of Rome had “returned to the home of the Father” just after 7:30 am. “His entire life was poured into service—for God, the Church, and the people,” the cardinal said in a heartfelt message.
With his passing, centuries-old traditions will now unfold, including the assembly of cardinals for a conclave to select the next pope. Until then, day-to-day matters at the Vatican will be overseen by the camerlengo—currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
A Pope Unlike Any Before
Born Jorge Bergoglio, Francis became the first Jesuit and the first pope from the Americas to lead the Catholic Church’s nearly 1.4 billion followers. He stepped in after Benedict XVI’s historic resignation—the first in hundreds of years.
Down-to-earth and deeply connected to ordinary people, Francis brought a new energy to the papacy. A former archbishop of Buenos Aires with a love for football and simple living, he was widely seen as a “people’s pope.”
He focused on key global issues—speaking up for the marginalized, defending migrant rights, and calling attention to environmental concerns. He also worked to reshape Church governance and confront long-standing abuse scandals that had rocked the institution.
Still, his papacy wasn’t without critics. Some traditionalists accused him of blurring lines around core Church teachings, especially on topics like abortion, same-sex relationships, and divorce.
A Final Act of Humility
True to his style, Francis made an unusual choice for his burial: he will rest not in St. Peter’s Basilica but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It marks the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican.
In another break from tradition, he chose a single coffin made of wood and zinc—rather than the typical three—to reflect his image as a humble servant rather than a royal figure.
Health Battles and Relentless Work
Despite dealing with numerous health issues—including lung complications, colon surgery, and chronic knee pain—Francis never slowed down. He made international visits, kept a packed schedule, and remained deeply involved in Church affairs.
He had hinted in the past that he might step down like his predecessor if his health made it impossible to lead. But he remained in office until the very end, even holding a meeting with the Prime Minister of Slovakia just before his final hospital stay.
Over the years, he had been hospitalized for respiratory infections, undergone surgery, and was frequently seen using a wheelchair. Yet, he continued his weekly addresses and was often seen smiling and engaging warmly with the public.
Words That Echo Beyond His Time
Francis inherited a Church under intense scrutiny—from internal divisions to global abuse scandals. He pushed for transparency, overhauled Church laws, and opened doors for laypeople to take up leadership roles in Vatican departments.
His emphasis on compassion often overshadowed rules and dogma. “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will—who am I to judge?” he famously said early in his tenure.
However, this open-mindedness didn’t sit well with everyone. The final months of his papacy were marked by sharp criticism from conservative corners of the Church, especially during the Synod in late 2023—a global consultation he launched but didn’t live to complete.
