Pope Francis Passes Away at the Age of 88

Pope Francis, "The People's Pope," cared deeply about the poor, marginalized, and the voiceless. Photo by Annett Klingner on Pixabay.

Pope Francis, the “Pope of the People,” has died. Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced the death early on April 21. “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father… he taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis.”

Later, it was confirmed that the cause of death was “stroke and irreversible heart failure.” In an open casket, the body of the pope was marched down from his former dwelling, the Santa Marta Hotel, to St. Peter’s Basilica. Open to viewing, many waited through incredibly long lines to see, bless and pay respects to the late pope on April 26.

The sudden passing was both a surprise and, to some extent, expected. It is no secret that in the past couple of years, the pontiff’s health has been declining. Most recently, on February 14, the pope was hospitalized for bronchitis that eventually became double pneumonia. He spent 38 days in the hospital, the longest period under his rule. In the past few years, he had also undergone two abdominal surgeries and suffered multiple respiratory infections.

Still, the pope refused to let his health get in the way of his duty. On Easter Sunday, the day before he passed, he appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his Easter blessing. He then, defying doctor’s orders, hopped in the Popemobile to greet and bless members of the crowd for what would be his final time.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of humility, love and progressive change.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 to Italian immigrants in Argentina, the eldest of five boys studied chemistry and loved soccer. His religious calling did not come until the age of 17, when, after going to confession, he “realized that they were waiting for me.”

Navigating tense political climates in Argentina, he rose the ranks, becoming Cardinal Bergoglio of Buenos Aires in 2001. However, many called him “Bishop of the Slums,” as despite his lofty and prestigious position, he rode the bus and lived a simple life.

This lifestyle did not change when he became Pope. His break from tradition emphasizes his humble nature. When elected pope in 2013, he went against tradition by first bowing his head towards the people, asking for their blessing, before blessing them in return. Additionally, he was the first pope to choose the name Francis, after 13th-century friar Francis of Assisi, a man known for caring for those deemed social outcasts.

He also opted out of living in luxury, choosing to live in Room 201 in the Santa Marta Hotel rather than the Apostolic Palace. When physically able, he carried his own bags and would walk to buy glasses. His casket lay unraised in St. Peter’s so it could be “closer to the people.” What will be engraved on his tomb is simply the name, “Franciscus.”

Pope Francis also leaves behind a legacy of, much like Jesus himself, caring for the poor, the sick, the marginalized and the outcasts. He wanted a church to “include the excluded.” He would dine with the homeless and wash the feet of inmates. Rather than go to central hubs of Catholicism, he much preferred areas where Christians were minorities or victims of persecution.

The pope was also known for his progressive views on religious matters. He wanted to “protect God’s creation from climate disaster and challenged countries to welcome those fleeing war, poverty and oppression,” stating in 2016 that anyone who builds a wall to keep migrants out is “not a Christian.”

He allowed laywomen and laymen to run Vatican offices, added women to decision making roles in the church, enacted procedures to investigate bishops accused of abusing or helping hide abuse within the church, said “homosexuality is not a crime,” and when asked about a gay priest responded with “who am I to judge?”

Critics of the pope claim he was too progressive and has threatened Christian identity, while supporters loved him for his focus on Jesus’ message of mercy and inclusion. With a new conclave set to choose a new pope, many are anxious to see if the Catholic Church will select another progressive reformist or revert to more traditional standpoints.

Either way, the life of Pope Francis reminds us of the importance of humility, love, inclusion and acceptance. Although he may not have made many legal changes in the church, his character has transformed what was, before his papacy, an institution struggling with financial and abuse scandals, as well as its relationship with modern society. He extended not only the influence of the Catholic Church around the world, but also the influence of love, acceptance, peace and humanity.