This Easter Monday, after months of his intense struggle against pneumonia, Pope Francis died at the age of 88 from a combination of stroke and cardiovascular arrest, according to the death certificate released by the Vatican. He died at his residence at Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse at the Vatican where he had lived since his election in 2013, in a short coma caused by the stroke. His funeral was held on Saturday, April 2,6 to a world in mourning.
Francis was one of the most controversial Popes of recent history, gaining popularity through his humble attitude, concern for the poor, and criticism from his outspoken opinions on modern issues such as climate change, and progressive perspective. He also made history as the first Pope of the Americas and the first from the Jesuit order.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, as the son of two Italian immigrants under his given name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. After graduating from High School, Bergoglio began a career as a chemical technician within the food processing industry, but soon found himself dissatisfied with the work and drawn towards the church. At 21, he suffered a severe fit of pneumonia, which led to the medical removal of a section of his right lung. A year later, he joined the Jesuit novitiate before gaining an interest in academics, choosing to pursue higher education. After studying humanities in Chile and earning the equivalent of a master’s in philosophy in Buenos Aires, Bergoglio taught high school literature and psychology while pursuing a degree in theology. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and began the journey of his long career within the church. In 1973, he took his final vows in the Jesuit order and was appointed as the superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina, a term which would coincide with the military coup of Argentina in 1976. In the 1980s, Bergoglio served as a seminary educator and pursued graduate studies in theology in Germany. In 1992, he was appointed an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. In 1998, he was named archbishop of Buenos Aires and was consecrated a cardinal in 2001.
Bergoglio was elected pope on the fifth ballot of the conclave following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in February 2013, and took the name Francis in honor of the two saints of the same name, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Francis Xavier, reflecting his dedication to humble service and his Jesuit origin. Francis’ term as pope was marked by a large push to reform the church into a less political organization with an increased focus on compassion over condemnation. Throughout his time, Pope Francis has met with several high theological figures, including regional leaders from Islam and the head of the Orthodox Church, in an extension of interfaith fraternity to promote peace and cooperation. In addition to his interfaith outreach, Francis also sought to extend the church’s welcome to marginalized groups. Francis met with migrants/refugees and included them in ceremonies on numerous occasions over the years. He was also the first pope to allow women to serve in roles traditionally limited to men, such as reading Scripture during Mass, and he opened the conversation on allowing married priests in remote areas.
Francis’ papacy also continued Benedict’s actions against cases of sexual abuse within the church, creating new policies to hold bishops accountable and improve transparency, though some felt these measures did not go far enough. In 2015, he published the encyclical Laudato Si’, calling for immediate action on climate change and environmental degradation. He made over 50 international trips during his papacy, often visiting countries facing poverty, conflict, or natural disaster, and consistently used his platform to call for justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable.
His funeral was held at St. Peter’s Square on April 26, attended by tens of thousands of mourners and watched by millions across the world. In accordance with his wishes, the ceremony was simple and marked by humility. He was buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, close to the tombs of his predecessors.
With the papacy now vacant, attention has turned to the conclave, the gathering of cardinals who will elect the next pope. 119 eligible cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel in the coming days to begin the process. Several names have emerged as likely contenders, including Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna, a figure known for his peace negotiations and pastoral focus, and Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, a long-time advocate for climate and economic justice. While the outcome of the conclave remains uncertain, many expect the next pope will be someone who shares Francis’ emphasis on compassion and reform.
