Pope Francis Dies at 88: Latin America’s First Pontiff Leaves Behind a Legacy of Mercy, Reform, and Resistance

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and one of the most transformative figures in modern Catholicism, has died at age 88. The Vatican confirmed his passing at 7:35 a.m. local time, following complications from double pneumonia after a lengthy hospitalization.

A man of contrasts and convictions, Jorge Mario Bergoglio took the papal name Francis to reflect his admiration for St. Francis of Assisi, a symbol of humility and care for the poor. His papacy, which began in March 2013, reshaped global perceptions of the Catholic Church.

A Pontiff Unlike Any Before

Francis broke convention from his very first moments, greeting the world simply with “Buonasera” instead of a formal blessing. He chose modest living quarters, wore orthopedic shoes, and declined the papal palace, opting instead for the Vatican guesthouse. His message was clear: the Church should serve, not rule.

But his humble style carried deep reform. Francis prioritized the marginalized, embraced refugees, and called for global economic and environmental justice. He also faced criticism and pushback from traditionalists who opposed his progressive views, especially on climate change, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and Church governance.

Not Without Controversy

While admired for his outreach and compassion, Francis also stumbled—particularly in his early response to the Chilean clergy abuse scandal. Though he later apologized and enacted reforms to increase accountability, critics said deeper changes were needed.

Still, his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he addressed the world from an empty St. Peter’s Square, reminded many of his central message: “We are all in the same boat.”

Key Reforms and Milestones

• First pope from Latin America, and also the first Jesuit.
• Approved same-sex couple blessings, while maintaining Church doctrine on marriage.
• Appointed women to key Vatican roles and gave them voting rights in synods.
• Advocated for abolition of the death penalty and stronger climate action.
• Challenged capitalism, calling it a system that “feeds the powerful while discarding the weak.”

Francis also took a hard look inward, overseeing financial reforms and trials within the Vatican to address corruption, most notably the prosecution of Cardinal Angelo Becciu.

A Pastor of the Peripheries

He spent much of his time focusing on those outside the centers of power—visiting migrants in Lampedusa, Muslim communities in Iraq, and refugees in Myanmar. He sought to make the Church a “field hospital” rather than a fortress.

Despite chronic health issues—partially removed lung, colon surgery, and recurring knee pain—Francis continued to travel, preach, and push for reforms until his final year.

A Legacy of Inclusion and Challenge

Loved by progressives, challenged by conservatives, and respected worldwide, Francis insisted that the Church must welcome “todos, todos, todos” (everyone, everyone, everyone).

While he maintained Catholic teachings on abortion and the male priesthood, he opened conversations around women in leadership, remarried Catholics, and modern family structures.

He stood with the poor, criticized populism, and consistently called out policies that divided rather than united. Pope Francis is survived not by family, but by a global Church he tried to bring closer to its roots in mercy, justice, and love.

 How do you think Pope Francis will be remembered—as a reformer, a unifier, or something else entirely?

More…

• https://www.bbc.com/news/live/crknlnzlrzdt
• https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/pope-francis-died-cardinal-kevin-075353546.html