Pope Francis, 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Dies at 88

Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, as confirmed by multiple sources including Vatican News (Vatican News: Pope Francis dies on Easter Monday aged 88). His death, announced on the same day, marks the end of a pontificate that spanned over 12 years, characterized by significant achievements, controversies, and a lasting impact on the global Catholic community. This note provides a detailed examination of his life, contributions, criticisms, and the immediate aftermath, including his burial plans and the upcoming conclave.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was ordained a priest in 1969 and served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before his election as pope in 2013 (Wikipedia: Pope Francis). His election was historic, making him the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. Choosing the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he signaled his intent to lead a church focused on simplicity, poverty, and service to the marginalized, a theme evident throughout his papacy (Beliefnet: 5 Great Achievements of Pope Francis' First 5 Years).

Pope Francis's pontificate was marked by a strong emphasis on mercy and compassion, encapsulated in his papal motto, Miserando atque eligendo (By having mercy, by choosing him). He launched the Year of Mercy from December 8, 2015, to November 20, 2016, encouraging Catholics to focus on God's forgiveness and extend it to others, as noted in various analyses of his leadership (OnePeterFive: 13 Good Things Pope Francis Has Done). His commitment to social justice was evident in his frequent calls for the Church to stand with the poor and marginalized, criticizing unchecked capitalism and advocating for a more equitable distribution of wealth. In a 2024 X post, he renewed calls for a universal basic income and higher taxes on billionaires, reflecting his economic stance (X post).

One of his most significant contributions was his environmental advocacy, highlighted by the encyclical Laudato si' (Praise Be to You) released in 2015. This document addressed the urgent need to combat climate change and called for global stewardship of the Earth, positioning him as a leading voice on environmental issues (Britannica: Francis | Biography, Pope, Laudato Si’, Roman Catholic Church, & Facts). His efforts resonated beyond the Catholic faithful, earning praise from environmentalists and global leaders.

Francis also made significant strides in interfaith dialogue, meeting with leaders of other religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. His visits to conflict zones, such as Iraq in 2021 and the Holy Land, underscored his dedication to peacebuilding and fostering understanding among diverse communities (NPR: Pope Francis, who reached out to the margins of society, has died at 88). His focus on reaching out to the "peripheries"—the poor, refugees, and those on the margins—earned him widespread admiration, as seen in his frequent engagements with popular movements and his praise for liberation theology founder Gustavo Gutierrez (Wikipedia: Pope Francis).

Despite his popularity, Pope Francis faced significant criticism, particularly from conservative Catholics and traditionalists. Some accused him of being too lenient on doctrinal matters, especially regarding issues like divorce, remarriage, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals. His apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) in 2016, which allowed divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion under certain circumstances, was seen by critics as a departure from traditional Church teaching, sparking debates within the Church (Vox: The conservative case against Pope Francis — and why it matters). This stance was particularly contentious, with some conservative voices, including cardinals, accusing him of risking schism (AP News: Pope says US critics use 'rigid' ideology' to mask failings).

His economic views, often critical of free-market capitalism, also drew ire from those who favored more libertarian economic policies. In 2020, he issued a blistering rebuke of capitalism, stating that the coronavirus pandemic proved "not everything can be resolved by market freedom," which was seen by some as aligning too closely with Marxist ideas, though he clarified he was not a Marxist (Business Insider: Pope Francis issues blistering rebuke of capitalism). This stance was further highlighted in his 2024 meeting with the Dialop group, where he stated that Marxists and Christians have a common mission, drawing criticism from those who saw it as compromising Christian values (Vatican News: Pope encourages Marxists and Christians to fight corruption, uphold rule-of-law).

Additionally, his approach to governance within the Vatican, including his handling of the clergy sex abuse scandal, was met with mixed reactions. While he apologized to survivors and took steps towards transparency, some felt he did not go far enough, as noted in various reports (Britannica: Francis | Biography, Pope, Laudato Si’, Roman Catholic Church, & Facts). Conservative Catholics, in particular, criticized what they perceived as a lack of emphasis on doctrinal purity, arguing that his focus on mercy and pastoral care overshadowed the importance of upholding traditional teachings, leading to accusations that he was weakening the Church's moral authority (U.S. Catholic: What lies beneath all the criticism of Pope Francis?).

These criticisms, however, were not universal; many Catholics and non-Catholics alike praised his efforts to make the Church more inclusive and relevant in a rapidly changing world, as seen in polls and public reactions (The Washington Post: Some American Catholics really don’t like Pope Francis. Here’s why.).

Pope Francis is expected to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, outside the Vatican walls, as he revealed in a 2023 interview with Mexican broadcaster N+ (The Guardian: Pope Francis reveals he will not be buried in Vatican). This choice reflects his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, as he frequently visited the basilica to pray before and after international trips, and it breaks with the tradition of papal burials at St. Peter's Basilica, making him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican (Pillar Catholic: Who's buried in Francis' (eventual) tomb?). The basilica, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, has historical significance, with six other popes buried there, the most recent being Pope Clement IX in 1669 (National Catholic Register: Where the Popes Are Buried).

Following his death, the Vatican has initiated the process for mourning and electing a new pope, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, announcing the death and overseeing the transition (The New York Times: What Happens When a Pope Dies?). A conclave will soon begin to elect the new Catholic leader, a process that involves cardinals gathering to choose Francis's successor, potentially influencing the Church's future direction (CNBC: Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, dies at 88).

Pope Francis's pontificate was a complex tapestry of progressive reforms and traditional challenges. His death marks the end of an era, but his influence on the Catholic Church and global society will endure. His focus on mercy, social justice, and environmental stewardship has inspired many, while his controversial stances have sparked debates that will likely shape the Church's future. As the Church prepares for a new leader, it will continue to grapple with the questions he raised about how to remain relevant and compassionate in the modern world while staying true to its core beliefs.