The 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis passed away early Monday morning. At the time of his death, he was 88 years young. Confirmation of his death came from the Vatican. This signals the conclusion of a prophetic and transformative era for the Catholic Church and the universal world. Pope Francis’s humility, compassion, and progressive worldview have won him favor with many. His influence truly transcends religious boundaries, continuing to change lives in six continents and 182 countries.
Pope Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital on February 14. He had been readmitted after having a respiratory episode that turned into double pneumonia. His health had been an issue in recent weeks. He had been diagnosed with bronchitis earlier this month. Despite his declining health, he continued to hold daily audiences in his Vatican hotel suite, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his role. Only days before his death, he presided over an outdoor Mass on February 9. His passion to serve and carry out his responsibilities was evident even amid his ongoing fight against illness.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Argentina. In 2013, he became the first Latin American pope in history. His election was remarkable not just for the history of the Catholic Church, but for the entire global community. Time magazine recognized him as Person of the Year in 2013, underscoring his immediate impact on social issues and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Right at the start of his papacy, Pope Francis threw his whole ministry behind the poor and marginalized. More importantly, he made this commitment abundantly clear for everyone to see. Time after time, he focused on justice and reconciliation, calling the faithful to serve humbly and walk with those who have hurt most.
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz on the former pope’s legacy, “Francis will be remembered for his tireless engagement for the weakest in society.” Equally, he highlighted Francis’s moral leadership on justice and reconciliation. His much more relaxed style of communication distinguished him from the last popes. It allowed him to empathize deeply with people, creating a real spirit of fellowship and compassion.
Much like the pope himself during his papacy, this event is poised to travel widely across the globe. He completed five trips to France, with a landmark visit to Corsica in December. His journeys were the most visible expression of his commitment to sharing the Christian message. They praised his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Pope Francis personally cultivated relationships with the Jewish community. He tirelessly worked for interfaith understanding and reconciliation. His unique ability to speak to the urgency of global challenges resonated deeply with many. He always brought attention to important issues that mean something to all people.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier recalled how his modesty, spontaneity and humor moved the world. Regardless of his faithful call to action, faith itself—his tremendously giving Christian faith—fueled the hope, strength, and light toward his convictions to millions of people across the world. I feel this statement really summarizes the ways in which Pope Francis’s authenticity broke through to people regardless of religious background.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who heads the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, shared that announcement at the Vatican with deep emotion. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His whole life was devoted to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell continued. Those powerful words from the cardinal remind us of Pope Francis’s lifelong commitment to creating a culture of encounter.
Beyond his influence over the Catholic Church, Pope Francis’s engagement with the climate crisis and a broader social justice agenda were inspiring. He underscored the moral imperative to protect our creation and approach climate change with a sense of urgency. These moral imperatives go far beyond Catholic constituents.
Francis gave his whole life and ministry over to the Lord Jesus. Jesus comes among us not to be served, but to serve,” said Stephen Cottrell while contemplating the core of pope’s teachings and actions over his whole life. Cottrell’s perspective is a perfect example of how Pope Francis lived out the KAL principle of servant leadership.
Tributes — from world leaders, journalists and celebrities — are pouring in. Now, leaders from around the world are sharing their condolences for the loss of a man who devoted his life to promoting love and peace between different cultures. Steinmeier continued by proclaiming that Francis became a credible witness to the Christian message for billions of people. He pointed out what an important role the lived practice of faith played in shaping Francis. He continued by mentioning how those who had been left behind took comfort in Pope Francis’s loving embrace.