Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Mourns Progressive Leader
- Teo Drinkovic
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
The first Jesuit and Latin American pope—beloved for his humility, reformist vision, and advocacy for the marginalized—passes away after a prolonged illness
Introduction
After enduring numerous health complications over many years, and following his most recent battle with illness, his subsequent recovery, and discharge from the hospital, a great man, spiritual leader, and head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88.
Despite the many prayers offered by the faithful around the world, Pope Francis lost his struggle with illness and departed this life at 7:35 AM on April 21, 2025, in the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican.
His papacy began in 2013, when he succeeded his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who had resigned, becoming the first pope in 600 years to do so. The Vatican issued an official communiqué, and the news of his death was announced by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Health Decline and Final Days of Pope Francis
Pope Francis’s health troubles began on February 14, when he was admitted for treatment of bronchitis. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and required blood transfusions due to a low platelet count.
In a communiqué dated February 22, the Vatican announced that he was in critical condition following a prolonged respiratory crisis; the next day, it was reported that he was showing early signs of mild kidney failure.
Doctors described his condition as “complex.” On March 6, in an audio message, he thanked everyone for their prayers, assuring them, “I am with you, from here.”
For the first time since his hospitalization, he appeared on the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on March 23, smiling at the crowd gathered to pray for his recovery and raising his thumb in gratitude.
On Easter Sunday, he greeted the faithful at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the last time before he left this world.
Who Was Pope Francis?
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the eldest of five children in a family of Italian immigrants. He held both Argentine and Italian citizenship.
After earning a degree in chemical technology, he answered a different calling and entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1958. He went on to complete studies in the humanities in Chile, as well as philosophy and theology at institutions in Argentina.
While serving in Argentina, he held numerous positions, including professor and later rector at the Theological Faculty.
Pope Francis was distinctive in many respects: he was the first pope from Latin America, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, the first in over 1,100 years to choose a new papal name, and the first Jesuit ever elected pope.
As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he famously rode public transportation and lived in a modest rented apartment, earning him the nickname “the cardinal of the poor.”
A polyglot who enjoyed swimming and cooking, he was also an avid lover of opera and Greek classics, and he read Shakespeare and Dostoevsky. A devoted football fan, he supported the Argentine club San Lorenzo, founded by Jesuits.
Pontificate and Reforms of Pope Francis
During his pontificate, Pope Francis undertook 40 international trips and was a prolific writer on matters concerning the Catholic Church. A reformer at heart, he was noted for his progressive stance toward the LGBTQ+ community.
He championed simplicity and humility, eschewing the traditional gold pectoral cross in favor of one made of iron, opting for modest liturgical vestments, and replacing the gold Fisherman’s Ring with a silver one.
He spoke out against consumerism, irresponsible development, unbridled capitalism, and Marxism, and he was a vocal advocate in the fight against climate change. He played a key role in restoring full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.
His memorable sayings—“I want a poor Church for the poor,” “Homosexuals are children of God,” “Enjoyment of food and sexual pleasure comes from God,” and “Gossip is a worse contagion than Covid”—both defined his papacy and sparked discussion worldwide, painting him as a merciful and open-minded leader.
Safeguarding and Controversies
Pope Francis also abolished the “pontifical secret” in cases of sexual abuse and exploitation of children, issuing two landmark documents that fundamentally changed the Church’s approach to these heinous crimes.
He imposed strict new regulations, obliging clergy to report any instances of sexual abuse—an important step forward in the Church’s accountability.
These bold measures, long overdue in many eyes, drew fierce criticism from a group of 19 conservative clergy and theologians who accused him of heresy.
Although no formal charges were ever brought, he spent much of his pontificate navigating opposition from within the Church.
What Happens Next?
Upon the death of a pope, a series of ancient protocols is immediately set in motion: the Camerlengo destroys the Fisherman’s Ring and formally announces the death. In this instance, those duties fell to Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
The State of Italy typically declares a period of national mourning; a vigil and funeral rites are held; and finally, the conclave convenes to elect a new pope.
For those wishing to read more about these traditions and the process of a papal transition, see the Catholic Company’s overview here.
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