Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, leaves behind a legacy as one of the most transformative pontiffs in modern history. Known as “the people’s Pope,” the Argentine-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the first pontiff from the Americas and the southern hemisphere. From the moment of his election in 2013, he made it clear he would lead a humble, compassionate Church that championed the poor, the marginalized, and the environment.
He took the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of poverty and peace, famously stating, “How I would like a poor church for the poor.” Eschewing luxury, he lived modestly, wore plain robes, and made personal calls to widows and prisoners. He washed the feet of inmates and welcomed refugees, flying Syrian families from Lesbos to Rome.
Francis tackled tough global issues, from climate change through his influential encyclical Laudato Si to migration, denouncing indifference and calling for unity. He criticized border walls and arms dealers, and even helped broker diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Cuba.
Yet his tenure was not without controversy. While he confronted the clergy sex abuse scandal and pushed for accountability, many felt his actions fell short of justice. His openness to LGBTQ+ individuals, divorced Catholics, and transgender believers was praised by reformists, but fiercely opposed by traditionalists. His famous words, “Who am I to judge?” marked a softer tone on sexuality but not a change in doctrine.
Francis also attempted Vatican reforms, from banking transparency to allowing cardinals to be tried in civilian courts. Despite his progressiveness, he maintained conservative stances on abortion and priestly celibacy, disappointing some advocates for deeper reform.
Born in Buenos Aires in 1936 to Italian immigrants, Francis worked in a hosiery factory, once dreamed of being a missionary in Japan, and even served briefly as a nightclub bouncer. After surviving a serious illness and weathering internal Jesuit disputes, he reinvented himself as the “Bishop of the Slums,” leading to his election as the 266th pope.
Pope Francis will be remembered as a radical reformer and global moral voice who brought the Catholic Church closer to the people while navigating the challenges of tradition and transformation.
