Pope Francis, who advocated for a more compassionate view on numerous issues but struggled to address past abuses by clergy, has passed away at the age of 88.
Francis died at 7:35 a.m. on Monday in Rome, as confirmed by the Vatican in a statement. He had been hospitalized in Rome in mid-February with bronchitis, leading to pneumonia in both lungs following a series of respiratory and other health challenges. On Sunday, he had a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance.
Becoming the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in March 2013, Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position. His arrival rejuvenated Catholicism with his personable demeanor, contrasting with his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who was seen as a guardian of orthodox doctrine.
While Benedict was known for favoring books over crowds, Francis was a down-to-earth, humble figure who focused on poverty, human suffering, and addressing climate change as a moral issue. Refusing the luxuries of the papal residence, he opted for the Vatican guest house.
Displaying a progressive approach to his papacy, in 2013, Francis washed the feet of young women prisoners at a detention center in Rome, breaking papal tradition by including non-priests. He also made headlines by stating, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” when asked about gay men serving as priests.
However, Francis faced challenges in addressing clergy abuse and struggled to bring accountability to the perpetrators. He made efforts to increase transparency in Vatican finances and reform the Curia, the Vatican’s administration, to consider the ideas of bishops worldwide, including reshaping the College of Cardinals.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, in a Buenos Aires neighborhood, Francis grew up as the son of Italian immigrants. Influenced by his maternal grandmother, who defended the church against fascism, Francis began working in a stocking factory and pursued a career as a chemical technician.
After a lung infection led to half of his right lung being removed, Francis joined the Jesuit order and was ordained as a priest in 1969. He assumed leadership roles in Argentina, navigating the country’s tumultuous history and eventually becoming a cardinal in 2001.
Selected as the pope in 2013, Francis took his name from St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing a commitment to a church that serves the poor. Throughout his papacy, he advocated for social justice, fair wealth distribution, and peace, making historical visits and promoting interfaith dialogue.
Known for his off-the-cuff remarks, Francis faced controversies but also inspired many with his calls for peace and compassion. His papacy left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and influenced global conversations on various social and economic issues.
