First Latin American Pontiff Leaves Legacy of Compassion and Reform

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was complications from a prolonged battle with respiratory illnesses, including severe pneumonia, and kidney failure, which had significantly weakened him in recent months.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the news with a heavy heart, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” The announcement, broadcast on the Vatican’s television channel, marked the end of a 12-year papacy that reshaped the Church’s approach to social justice, humility, and inclusivity.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, Francis brought a fresh perspective to the Vatican, emphasizing mercy, compassion, and outreach to the marginalized. His papacy was defined by bold reforms, a commitment to the poor, and a willingness to engage with contentious global issues, from climate change to migration.

Francis was celebrated for his humility, often shunning the lavish trappings of the papacy. He chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace and was frequently seen riding in a simple Fiat instead of a luxurious papal vehicle. His famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” in response to questions about gay Catholics, signaled a more inclusive tone, though he stopped short of altering Church doctrine on issues like same-sex marriage.

His tenure was not without challenges. Francis faced resistance from conservative factions within the Church who opposed his progressive reforms, including efforts to address the clerical sexual abuse crisis and open the Church to greater lay participation. His outspoken criticism of global inequalities and war, including a recent clash with U.S. political figures over immigration policies, underscored his willingness to wade into political debates.

World leaders and faithful alike mourned his passing. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him “a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences, noting Francis’s role in fostering dialogue between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches. In Melbourne, Australia, Catholic Lucy Martin paid tribute at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, describing him as “a fair and relatively progressive pope with a good sense of humanity.”

Francis’s death triggers a period of mourning and transition for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The Vatican has begun preparations for his funeral, which will follow simplified rites per his wishes, including a single wooden coffin lined with zinc. Unlike most popes, Francis requested burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a site of personal significance where he often prayed. The conclave to elect his successor is expected to convene within 15 to 20 days, with cardinals from around the world gathering in Rome to choose the next pontiff.

As the Church enters this historic moment, Pope Francis’s legacy endures as a call to compassion and service. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” Cardinal Farrell said in his statement. For millions, Francis will be remembered as the “People’s Pope,” whose warmth and vision brought hope to a divided world.