Pope Francis, whose 12-year papacy ushered in a more open, welcoming Catholic Church that prioritized empathy for the poor and disenfranchised — including Indigenous victims of Canada's church-run residential schools — has died at 88, the Vatican said in a video statement Monday.
"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican's TV channel.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. As the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, Francis has brought a unique and deeply human approach to the papacy. His focus on humility, social justice, environmental responsibility, and dialogue has made him one of the most transformative and talked-about religious leaders in recent memory.
Before his election as pope, Bergoglio served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he was known for his simple lifestyle and commitment to the poor. He lived in a modest apartment, cooked his own meals, and took public transit. These choices foreshadowed the papal style he would adopt, marked by modesty and a strong emphasis on serving others. When elected, he chose the name Francis in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor and of the environment—a name no pope before him had ever taken. This choice alone spoke volumes about the direction he intended to take the Church.
One of the hallmarks of Pope Francis's papacy has been his dedication to reform. From the outset, he made it clear that he wanted to steer the Church toward a path of transparency, accountability, and compassion. One of his major efforts has been addressing the clerical sexual abuse crisis, a long-standing issue that has deeply scarred the Church. Though his response has received mixed reviews, Francis has acknowledged the damage and called for greater protection for minors and vulnerable adults, introducing measures to hold bishops accountable for covering up abuse.
Francis has also pushed for financial reforms within the Vatican. He established new departments and brought in lay experts to clean up the Vatican Bank, long plagued by corruption and secrecy. Though progress has been slow, his efforts have helped change the tone at the top, promoting a more open and responsible approach to Church finances.
Social justice has been central to Francis's message. He often spoke out against the “globalization of indifference” and challenges the world to care for the marginalized, including the poor, migrants, and refugees. He has consistently criticized excessive capitalism and the “throwaway culture” that leaves many behind. His encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015), subtitled On Care for Our Common Home, was a groundbreaking document that called on all people—not just Catholics—to take urgent action on climate change and environmental degradation. In it, he emphasized the moral dimension of ecology, linking the well-being of the planet to justice for the poor.
Francis is also known for his inclusive tone and pastoral approach. While he upholded Church teaching, he has shifted the focus from strict rules to mercy and understanding. His famous response to a question about gay priests—“Who am I to judge?”—became a symbol of his attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community. Though he has not changed doctrine, he has encouraged more compassionate language and outreach, notably supporting legal protections for same-sex couples in civil unions.
On interfaith relations, Pope Francis has worked tirelessly to build bridges. He has strengthened ties with other Christian denominations, Judaism, and Islam. In 2019, he co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb, a historic step toward Muslim-Christian dialogue and cooperation. He has also condemned anti-Semitism and reached out to the Jewish community with warmth and respect.
Despite his popularity with many, Pope Francis has not been without critics. Conservative Catholics have voiced concern over what they see as ambiguity or deviation from traditional teachings, especially regarding divorce, remarriage, and the Eucharist. Others argue that his reforms don’t go far enough, particularly when it comes to expanding the role of women in the Church.
Nevertheless, Pope Francis remained a powerful moral voice in a troubled world. His commitment to compassion, care for creation, and solidarity with the poor continues to resonate beyond Catholic circles. While balancing tradition and change is no easy task, his papacy has undeniably reshaped the global conversation about what it means to be a Church in the 21st century.
In a time of global division, Pope Francis stood as a symbol of humility, dialogue, and hope. Whether through washing the feet of prisoners, calling for peace in war-torn regions, or simply embracing those on the margins, he has modelled a leadership style rooted in love and service—one that seeks not to dominate, but to uplift.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
