Pope Francis, the inaugural Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, passes away at 88.

Sadly, the Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, marking a poignant moment in history. As the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he was 88 years old and had recently been recuperating from a severe case of double pneumonia. His death was unexpected, particularly following his vibrant appearance earlier this Easter Sunday, where he greeted enthusiastic crowds in St Peter’s Square from the openness of his popemobile.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared this heartbreaking news during a broadcast on the Vatican’s television channel, stating, “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness 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.”

The precise cause of death has not been disclosed by the Vatican at this time. Cardinal Farrell is scheduled to lead a rite at 8 PM local time, during which the Pope’s body will be placed into a casket. A spokesperson indicated that the coffin may be moved to St Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday morning, allowing the faithful to begin paying their respects. While no date has yet been set for the funeral, expressions of condolences and admiration for Pope Francis have begun pouring in from across the globe, with numerous leaders highlighting his humility and compassion.

In Argentina, his home country, a seven-day mourning period has been declared, a sentiment echoed by neighboring Brazil. Just yesterday, the Pope delivered what turned out to be his final public appearance, extending Easter wishes to the gathered crowds in St Peter’s Square. Earlier that day, he had a brief private audience with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

The election of a new pope, typically held within 15 to 20 days following the pontiff’s death, will soon take center stage. Approximately 135 cardinals are eligible to partake in this highly confidential ballot, which can extend over several days.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope on March 13, 2013, surprised many observers who viewed him as an outsider, given his focus on social issues such as poverty. Emphasizing simplicity, he refrained from occupying the lavish papal apartments, opting instead for a communal living arrangement in pursuit of “psychological health.” He inherited a Church grappling with scandals surrounding sexual abuse and internal conflicts but was elected with a mission to restore order.

Despite his progressive agenda, Pope Francis faced considerable criticism along the way. Conservatives accused him of discarding cherished traditions, while progressives expressed disappointment over a perceived lack of substantial changes to the 2,000-year-old institution. Nevertheless, he became a global figure, drawing immense crowds during his travels and consistently advocating for interfaith dialogue, peace, and the rights of marginalized communities, including migrants.

During his papacy, the unique circumstance of two living men in white robes was a point of interest, with his predecessor, Pope Benedict, residing in the Holy See following his unexpected resignation in 2013. Pope Benedict, a conservative icon, passed away in December 2022.

Pope Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors who will choose his successor, a decisive move that heightens the likelihood of a continuation of his progressive policies, despite resistance from traditionalists. Throughout his tenure, the pontiff left open the possibility of stepping down, much like Benedict; however, he insisted he was still able to fulfill his responsibilities, continuing a demanding schedule right up to his hospital admission.

Even after undergoing several health challenges, including surgeries for a hernia and colon surgery, and facing mobility issues due to knee pain, Pope Francis remained diligent, often urging crowds to pray for him as he concluded his Sunday Angelus prayers. “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord with a good will, then who am I to judge?” he famously stated at the beginning of his papacy, underscoring his commitment to inclusivity.

His efforts to combat clerical sexual abuse and reform the Vatican have marked his tenure, even as criticisms of his leadership mounted from various factions within the Church. As the forthcoming Synod Congress draws near, tensions simmer between traditionalists and reformists, leaving a crucial dialogue about the Church’s future unfinished.

In the wake of this profound loss, we reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis—a pontiff who, despite his struggles, championed the marginalized and called for a more compassionate world.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring