Pope Francis (1936–2025): A Legacy of Humility and Compassion That Will Be Missed

Pope Francis (1936–2025): A Legacy of Humility and Compassion That Will Be Missed

On April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM CEST, the world received the somber news of the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, announced the death from the Casa Santa Marta, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow 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.” Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was 88 years old and had been battling double pneumonia during a 38-day hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, following a respiratory crisis that began on February 14, 2025. His death, coming just a day after he blessed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, marks the end of a 12-year papacy defined by humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and a relentless push for a more inclusive Church. This blog post reflects on his life, his humble spirit, his impactful actions, and why he will be deeply missed by millions around the globe.

A Humble Beginning: The Biography of Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents, Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew up in a modest family, the eldest of five children. His early life was marked by simplicity—he worked as a nightclub bouncer and janitor before discerning a call to the priesthood. Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958, completing his spiritual training and taking final vows in 1973. That same year, he was appointed Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, a role he held for six years, navigating the challenges of the country’s “Dirty War,” a period of state-sponsored violence during which he quietly worked to protect those in danger, including two priests who were kidnapped by the regime.

Bergoglio’s rise in the Church continued as he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, becoming Archbishop in 1998 and a cardinal in 2001. Known as the “slum bishop” for his frequent visits to the city’s poorest neighborhoods, he chose to live in a modest apartment, cook his own meals, and travel by public transport, reflecting his deep commitment to the poor. In 2005, he participated in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, reportedly receiving the second-most votes. Eight years later, on March 13, 2013, following Benedict’s historic resignation, Bergoglio was elected pope at the age of 76, choosing the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint devoted to the poor. He became the first pope from the Americas, the first non-European in over 1,200 years, and the first Jesuit to hold the office.

A Humble Spirit That Redefined the Papacy

From the moment of his election, Pope Francis embodied a spirit of humility that set him apart from his predecessors. On the night he was elected, he declined the papal car and rode a bus back to his hotel with the cardinals, even insisting on paying his hotel bill the next morning. Forgoing the opulent Apostolic Palace, he chose to live in the simpler Casa Santa Marta, a Vatican guesthouse, where he remained until his death. His episcopal motto, miserando atque eligendo (“by having mercy and by choosing”), encapsulated his approach: a pastor who prioritized mercy over judgment and lived as one with his flock.

Francis’s humility was not just symbolic—it was a lived reality. He famously washed the feet of prisoners, refugees, and marginalized individuals during Holy Thursday services, a gesture that underscored his belief that the Church should be a “field hospital” for the spiritually wounded. He eschewed luxury, wearing simple vestments and clunky orthopedic shoes, and often spoke of his own sinfulness, saying, “I am a sinner—that’s not a figure of speech.” His rejection of extravagance extended to the Vatican itself, where he criticized the culture of privilege and worked to reform the scandal-ridden Vatican Bank, emphasizing financial transparency and accountability.

Actions That Touched the World

Pope Francis’s 12-year papacy was marked by bold actions that reflected his commitment to the poor, the environment, and a more inclusive Church. One of his earliest trips as pope was to Lampedusa in 2013, where he prayed for migrants who had died crossing the Mediterranean, decrying the “globalization of indifference.” His 2015 encyclical Laudato si’ addressed the climate crisis, linking environmental degradation to the exploitation of the poor and calling for global action—a moral stance that earned him both praise and criticism. That same year, he became the first pope to address the U.S. Congress, urging leaders to promote peace and care for the marginalized, and concluded his U.S. visit with a Spanish-language mass in Philadelphia, emphasizing his connection to the global South.

Francis was a tireless advocate for the marginalized. In 2022, during a “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada, he apologized to Indigenous survivors of residential schools, saying, “I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples,” describing the schools as part of a “cultural genocide.” His efforts to include women and the LGBT+ community in the Church were groundbreaking—he appointed women to high-ranking Vatican roles, such as Nathalie Becquart as co-undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, and in 2023 allowed women to vote at the Synod of Bishops for the first time. He also approved same-sex blessings, a move that sparked debate but signaled his desire for a more welcoming Church.

His papacy was not without challenges. Francis faced criticism for his initial handling of clergy sexual abuse scandals, such as the case of Mauro Inzoli, an Italian priest he initially spared from defrocking, only to see him relapse into abuse. However, after meeting with survivors, Francis adopted stricter rules to hold bishops accountable, acknowledging his early missteps. He also clashed with conservatives over his progressive reforms, including his restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass and his synod on LGBTQ+ inclusion, moves that some felt diluted Church teachings. Yet, his final Easter message in 2025, calling for global ceasefires and condemning violence, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to peace.

A Legacy That Will Be Missed

Pope Francis’s death has triggered a global outpouring of grief, with tributes highlighting his compassion and humanity. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, said, “Rome, Italy, and the world are mourning an extraordinary man, a humble and courageous pastor who knew how to speak to everyone’s heart.” The Rev. Michael Nsikak Umoh, spokesperson for the Nigerian bishops’ association, noted Francis’s advocacy for Africa, stating he was “very unambiguous in telling world powers to stop exploiting Africans.” Posts on X reflect a divided but deeply felt sentiment—some praise his progressive vision, while others debate his legacy, with one user calling him “a servant more than a leader,” whose reign faced resistance but left a lasting mark.

Francis will be missed for his ability to connect with people on a human level. An avid soccer fan, he supported Argentina’s San Lorenzo team and delighted in receiving a team jersey in 2013 with “Francisco — Campeon” on the back. His autobiography Hope, published in 2025, revealed personal stories, like his father’s death during a San Lorenzo match and his vow to avoid television after seeing a “sordid scene” in 1990, showing his discipline and relatability. His simplified funeral plans—lying in an open coffin rather than on a catafalque and choosing burial at Santa Maria Maggiore rather than the Vatican Grottoes—reflect his desire to remain humble even in death.

A Critical Reflection: What Lies Ahead?

While Francis’s legacy is undeniably impactful, it’s worth questioning the narrative around his papacy. His progressive reforms opened doors, but they also deepened divisions within the Church, with conservatives seeking to reclaim control in the upcoming conclave. His focus on the poor and the environment was prophetic, yet some argue it came at the expense of doctrinal clarity, leaving the Church fragmented. Moreover, his health struggles—chronic lung damage, knee problems, and multiple hospitalizations—raise questions about whether the Church should reconsider the expectation of a lifelong papacy, especially after Benedict XVI “opened the door” to resignation. Francis himself wrote a letter of resignation in case of incapacitation but ultimately served until his death, perhaps reflecting his belief in enduring service.

As the College of Cardinals prepares to convene in the Sistine Chapel within 15 to 20 days to elect the 268th pope, the future of Francis’s vision hangs in the balance. Will his emphasis on inclusion and care for the marginalized endure, or will conservatives steer the Church back toward tradition? One thing is certain: Pope Francis, the humble pastor who ministered to the poor with a charming, no-nonsense style, leaves behind a Church forever changed by his compassion. He will be deeply missed by those who saw in him a reflection of Christ’s mercy—a true “prophet of justice” whose actions spoke louder than words.

May he rest in peace. It is fitting that he goes home to the father after Easter. God has all things planned. We will miss him! Well done, good and faithful servant!

What are your thoughts on Pope Francis’s legacy? How do you think his passing will shape the future of the Catholic Church? Share your reflections in the comments below.

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Sources:

• Vatican News on the announcement of Pope Francis’s death [Web ID: 1]
• Biography details from the Vatican and Britannica [Web ID: 0, 1]
• Actions and reforms from The New York Times, The Guardian, and AP News [Web ID: 5, 8, 9]
• Sentiment on his passing from posts on X [Post ID: 1, 4, 6]