Pope Francis: The First Jesuit Pope and His Legacy

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by the Vatican at 7:35 a.m. local time, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia. His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy that began in 2013 and reshaped the global Church through humility, reform, and a focus on social justice.

Early Life and Jesuit Formation

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. His Jesuit background deeply influenced his pastoral approach, emphasizing discernment, humility, and service. Despite health challenges, including the removal of part of a lung in his youth, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was elevated to cardinal in 2001.

Papacy: A Decade of Reform and Outreach

Elected in March 2013, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium. He chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and care for the marginalized. Rejecting the traditional papal apartments, he opted to reside in the Vatican’s guesthouse, Casa Santa Marta, symbolizing his preference for simplicity.

Key Teachings and Global Influence

Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by a focus on mercy, inclusion, and social justice. He advocated for the poor, criticized unbridled capitalism, and emphasized environmental stewardship through his encyclical Laudato si’. His final encyclical, Dilexit Nos (2024), centered on the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, calling for unity and compassion in a fragmented world.

Health Challenges and Final Days

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis faced health issues, including chronic lung problems and mobility challenges. In early 2025, he was hospitalized with bronchitis and later developed double pneumonia. Despite his ailments, he continued to fulfill his duties, delivering an Easter blessing shortly before his death.

Legacy and Succession

Pope Francis’s legacy is one of compassion, reform, and a renewed focus on the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized. He appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to elect his successor, ensuring that his vision will influence the Church’s future direction. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried in a simple wooden casket at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, deviating from traditional papal burial practices.

Tributes and Global Mourning

World leaders, religious figures, and faithful across the globe have expressed their condolences, honoring Pope Francis’s dedication to peace, justice, and the poor. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell praised him as a “servant of mercy and truth,” reflecting the widespread admiration for his compassionate leadership