With profound sorrow, the Catholic Church and the entire world bids farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He passed away today, on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound legacy, which goes above and beyond being the first Pope from Latin America.
The son of Italian immigrants Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori, Jorge Mario grew up in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Flores. Before entering the seminary, he worked as a chemical technician. In 1958, at the age of 21, he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus.
He was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969, by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. During the following decades, he served as a professor of literature and psychology, rector of the Colegio Máximo and the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology at San Miguel, and provincial superior of the Jesuits in Argentina.
A race in Argentina
On May 20, 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him titular bishop of Auca and auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. Later, on June 3, 1997, he was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires, succeeding Cardinal Antonio Quarracino upon his death in 1998. As archbishop, he also assumed the title of primate of Argentina and grand chancellor of the Catholic University of Argentina. On February 21, 2001, he was created a cardinal by John Paul II, who gave him the title of Saint Robert Bellarmine.
Following the resignation of Benedict XVI, the March 2013 conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Francis. He was the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff in history.
His papacy was characterized by a close pastoral approach, a profound concern for the poor and marginalized, and a constant call for mercy and social justice. Among his most notable documents are the encyclicals "Laudato si'" (2015), on care for our common home, and "Fratelli tutti" (2020), on fraternity and social friendship.
Legacy and reforms
Pope Francis promoted significant reforms in the Roman Curia and greater transparency in Vatican finances. He championed a more inclusive and dialoguing Church, addressing issues such as family, migration, and the environment. His simple and humble style, reflected in gestures such as residing in the Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace, left an indelible mark on faithful and non-believers alike.
In his later years, His Holiness faced various health challenges. Despite this, he continued his pastoral work and maintained an active schedule until his final days. His passing leaves a deep void in the Catholic community and in all those who found in his leadership a source of inspiration and hope.
His last high profile meeting was with U.S. Vicepresident JD Vance.
Rest in peace, His Holiness Pope Francis.
