“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 Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced for the Vatican (via the Associated Press). “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of God, One and Triune.’”
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was elected to the papacy in March 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis was the first pope elected from Latin America and first member of the Jesuit order to hold the title. He gained a reputation for progressivism, notably having softer stances on LGBTQ+ issues. He was also a longtime advocate for Palestinians; in his final appearance on Easter Sunday, the holiest celebration on the Catholic calendar, he condemned the “deplorable humanitarian situation” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire. Among his final acts was a visit with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (himself a Catholic). Francis was frequently critical of Donald Trump’s policies during both administrations.
“How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants,” he said in his Easter address (which was read aloud by an aide). “On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas. For all of us are children of God.”
Following Pope Francis’ upcoming funeral, a new pope will be elected by a gathering of cardinals called a conclave, as recently dramatized in the Oscar-winning film Conclave.
