BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from Latin America, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in a working-class family.

He originally trained as a chemical technician before entering the Society of Jesus in 1958. His early ministry was deeply rooted in education, theology, and spiritual direction, preparing him for a life dedicated to humble service and ecclesial leadership.

Elected as pope in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Francis broke many precedents: he was the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first pope to take the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi—a clear signal of his mission to advocate for simplicity, humility, and care for the poor.

His papacy was marked by a profound commitment to Gospel values, notably compassion, social justice, and pastoral care. Pope Francis consistently championed the needs of the poor and marginalized.

His call for a “poor church for the poor” resonated across continents, and he frequently emphasized mercy over judgment. He simplified papal traditions and chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace, embodying the humility he preached.

Francis was also a strong voice on issues affecting global society, such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and the plight of refugees. In 2015, he released Laudato Si’, a powerful encyclical urging global leaders to take moral responsibility for climate change and care for creation—what he termed “our common home.”

His approach to leadership was pastoral rather than political, always returning to the heart of the Christian message: love of God and neighbor.

Despite health challenges in later years, including respiratory issues and multiple hospitalizations, Pope Francis remained visibly active in his mission. He continued to travel, speak, and serve, even making public appearances in a wheelchair toward the end of his life.

His last public blessing came on Easter Sunday, when he greeted over 35,000 faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with a simple, heartfelt “Happy Easter.”

Francis also made efforts to restore accountability within the Church, notably by addressing the sexual abuse crisis. In 2019, he summoned bishops from around the world to the Vatican to confront the issue and later instituted policies for reporting abuse and protecting whistleblowers, signaling a commitment to transparency and justice.

Pope Francis’s legacy is one of courage, humility, and faith. He inspired millions with his message of mercy and his unwavering focus on the core teachings of Christ. As the Church enters a time of mourning and prepares to elect a new pope, the memory of Francis’s transformative papacy will continue to guide the faithful worldwide. He leaves behind not only a reformed institution but also a renewed call to live the Gospel in action and love.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from reuters.com