It is with great sadness that we receive the news of the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. At 9:45am, Rome time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. 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 to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and the first pope from the Americas, passed away in the early hours of Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, leaving behind a transformative legacy as a shepherd of mercy, dialogue, and reform. His pontificate, which began in March 2013, was marked by a profound commitment to social justice, care for the marginalized, and a renewed focus on the pastoral mission of the Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, he entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained a priest in 1969. His Jesuit formation deeply influenced his approach to leadership—marked by humility, simplicity, and a preference for service over power. When elected pope following the resignation of Benedict XVI, Francis broke numerous traditions, choosing to live in the Vatican’s modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and prioritizing personal encounters with the faithful.
His papacy was defined by a relentless call for mercy, a theme that culminated in the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy (2015–2016). He championed a Church that is “a field hospital,” meeting people in their brokenness and extending God’s compassion. His landmark apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (2016) sought to bring greater pastoral care to families, sparking debate but also offering hope to many struggling Catholics.
A vocal advocate for the poor, migrants, and the environment, Pope Francis authored Laudato Si’ (2015), an encyclical that called for urgent action on climate change and care for creation. He also worked tirelessly to bring global attention to issues of inequality, war, and human dignity, often inserting himself into diplomatic efforts, such as his mediation in U.S.-Cuba relations and peace-building in South Sudan.
Francis sought to modernize the Church’s governance, enacting significant financial reforms and restructuring the Roman Curia through the constitution Praedicate Evangelium (2022). His commitment to synodality—listening to the people of God—shaped his later years, particularly in the Synod on Synodality, which encouraged open dialogue on pressing issues within the Church.
His emphasis on inclusivity, outreach to marginalized groups, and pastoral over doctrinal rigidity won him admiration but also criticism from traditionalists. Yet through it all, Pope Francis remained steadfast in his mission to bring the Church closer to the peripheries, echoing his constant refrain: “Hagan lío”— “Make a mess,” urging young Catholics to be active in faith and society.
As the world mourns his passing, Pope Francis will be remembered not only for his leadership but for his deep personal witness to the Gospel—a pope who washed the feet of prisoners, embraced the sick, and tirelessly sought to build bridges in a divided world. His legacy will endure in the hearts of millions inspired by his call to live the joy of the Gospel with love, mercy, and humility.
