1 Fascinating Pope Francis: A Life Of Humility, Reform...

Pope Francis: A Life of Humility, Reform, and Global Influence

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death, caused by a stroke and subsequent heart failure, marked the end of a transformative papacy. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, Francis reshaped the Catholic Church’s global image through humility, progressive values, and outreach to the marginalized. His death leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape Catholicism for decades.

Humble Beginnings in Buenos Aires

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was the eldest of five children in a devout Italian-Argentinian family. Before entering religious life, he studied chemistry and worked as a technician. At the age of 21, a near-fatal illness caused him to lose part of a lung. That experience of physical vulnerability would influence his pastoral sensitivity throughout his life.

Bergoglio joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958, eventually becoming a priest in 1969. His Jesuit formation deeply informed his later focus on education, discernment, social justice, and service to the poor—core tenets of the Jesuit tradition.

A Radical Shift as Archbishop and Cardinal

In 1998, Bergoglio was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires. There, he became known as the “Bishop of the Slums” for his frequent visits to impoverished neighborhoods. Unlike many of his peers, he chose to live in a simple apartment, took public transport, and cooked his own meals. These lifestyle choices would later define his papacy.

Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001, Bergoglio maintained a low profile in the Vatican, but his quiet leadership and commitment to pastoral care gained respect.

Becoming Pope Francis

Following Pope Benedict XVI’s historic resignation in 2013—the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years—the conclave elected Bergoglio as the 266th pope. He chose the name Francis, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, signaling his intention to lead with humility and concern for the poor and environment.

As the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, and the first non-European in over 1,200 years, Pope Francis broke centuries-old precedents. His election was seen as a sign that the Church was opening its doors to the wider world.

Key Themes of His Papacy

Humility and Simplicity

Francis refused to adopt many papal luxuries. He lived in the modest Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace and drove a small Fiat rather than a limousine. These decisions reflected a broader shift: he emphasized pastoral care over hierarchical authority.

Social Justice and Inclusion

From the beginning, Francis championed the poor, migrants, and marginalized communities. He often warned against the “globalization of indifference.” His famous quote—“Who am I to judge?”—about LGBTQ+ individuals marked a new tone of pastoral inclusion, though his teachings still upheld traditional Catholic doctrine.

Environmental Advocacy

In 2015, Francis released the encyclical Laudato Si’ (Vatican source), calling for urgent environmental action. It was unprecedented in its scope, criticizing consumerism and calling on nations to tackle climate change. The document was widely praised by environmentalists and global leaders.

Interfaith Dialogue and Peace

Pope Francis made significant strides in building relationships with other faiths. He visited the Holy Land, met with the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, and was the first pope to visit Iraq. His efforts to bridge divides between Christians, Muslims, and Jews helped ease tensions and encouraged global religious cooperation.

Global Travels and Impact

During his 12-year papacy, Francis visited over 50 countries, including war-torn regions and places where Catholics are a minority. Some notable trips include:

2015: United States – Addressed Congress, visited the UN, and met with the homeless.
2019: United Arab Emirates – Signed the historic Document on Human Fraternity with Islamic leaders.
2021: Iraq – A risky and symbolic trip emphasizing peace and religious coexistence.

These visits were not only diplomatic missions but also powerful statements of solidarity with the suffering and marginalized.

Encyclicals and Teachings

Beyond Laudato Si’, Francis authored several other major documents:

Evangelii Gaudium (2013) – Outlined a vision for a missionary Church centered on joy and evangelization.
Fratelli Tutti (2020) – A call for universal brotherhood, condemning nationalism and promoting global solidarity.
Amoris Laetitia (2016) – Opened limited doors for divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion, sparking intense debate.

These writings reinforced his commitment to a Church that listens, walks with people, and evolves within the bounds of doctrine.

Criticisms and Controversies

While widely admired, Pope Francis faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives.

Conservatives accused him of diluting doctrine and sowing confusion, particularly on issues like communion for divorced Catholics and same-sex blessings.
Progressives felt he didn’t go far enough in reforming clerical abuse accountability or empowering women in the Church.

His handling of the clergy abuse crisis—while stronger than some predecessors—was seen by many as insufficient. Nonetheless, he instituted new mechanisms for bishop accountability and more victim-centered approaches.

Final Years and Passing

In his final years, Francis struggled with health issues including sciatica, knee problems, and recurring respiratory infections. He was briefly hospitalized in 2023 and 2024, and again in early 2025 with pneumonia. Despite his frailty, he continued to speak out on global issues, delivering his last public message on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

He passed away the next day, April 21, due to a stroke and cardiac failure. According to his death certificate, other conditions included type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Legacy and the Future

Pope Francis leaves behind a Church reshaped by humility and a call for mercy. His papacy inspired millions to re-engage with their faith through compassion and justice rather than fear or rigidity. As the sede vacante period begins, the next pope will inherit both a reformed Church and the weight of continuing Francis’s transformative mission.

He requested to be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica, but at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major—a testament to his lifelong humility.

As world leaders and the faithful mourn, one thing is certain: Pope Francis’s voice for the poor, the planet, and peace will echo far beyond his time on Earth.

Pope Francis: A Remarkable Life of Humility, Reform, and Global Influence

ByJarrett Adwell