by The Vatican has stated that Pope Francis, who was known for his humility and outreach to people of many backgrounds and beliefs during his tenure as head of the Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88.
On March 13, 2013, the Argentine native, then known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, succeeded retiring Pope Benedict XVI as the 266th supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first from Latin America.
He adopted the name Francis in honor of the famous patron saint of the environment and animals, the medieval monk St. Francis of Assisi, who lived in poverty and served the underprivileged. Pope Francis was renowned for shunning the ostentation of his predecessors and leading a modest life, much like his namesake.
Francis passed away on Monday after a series of worsening health issues, including a recent respiratory crisis that kept him in critical condition.Francis’ populist leadership style gave the church’s social justice message far more resonance than that of many of his predecessors, and as head of the Catholic Church, he captivated the imaginations of both believers and non-believers.
International leaders are paying their respects to Francis.
As presidents, prime ministers, and other international leaders responded to the news of Pope Francis’ passing, tributes to him poured in on Monday. Francis was praised by French President Emmanuel Macron for wanting the “Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.”
Pope Francis wanted the Church to give the poor people happiness and hope, whether they were in Rome or Buenos Aires. May it bring people closer to nature and to one another. “May this hope always flourish beyond him,” Macron added in a French statement. “My spouse and I offer our condolences to the bereaved world and all Catholics.”
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Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, expressed his “deepest condolences to the Christian world” and praised the pope’s “boundless compassion.”
Part of Herzog’s statement said, “A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world.”
Franklin Francis’ “contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe,” according to Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament.
“His Holiness Pope Francis passed away, and Europe is in mourning. Millions of people all over the world were won over by his infectious smile,” he remarked. “The People’s Pope” will be known for his compassion for equality and social justice, love for life, and hope for peace. I hope he finds peace.
Francis, according to Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, was “in every way a man of the people” and “a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them.”
“The Catholic community around the world says goodbye to a leader who recognized and brought attention to the pressing issues of our time,” Schoof added. Pope Francis was a role model for many, both Catholics and non-Catholics, with his sober lifestyle, charitable deeds, and compassion. We hold him in the highest regard.
Pope Francis inspired millions with his message of mercy, love, and hope. He redefined what it meant to be a pope in the 21st century—not by distancing himself from the people, but by walking among them. From washing the feet of refugees to advocating for the marginalized, his legacy is one of action and authenticity.
As the world mourns his passing, we are reminded of the power of kindness, the strength of humility, and the enduring importance of faith. While his physical presence is no longer with us, his teachings and values will continue to echo through the hearts of believers and non-believers alike. Pope Francis may have left this world, but his light will continue to guide generations to come.
