The Death of a Pope: Remembering Pope Francis and His Enduring Legacy

The Death of a Pope: Remembering Pope Francis and His Enduring Legacy​

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He was also the oldest pope chosen. His papacy, which began in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His death marked the end of a 12-year papacy characterized by humility, reform, and a deep connection with people worldwide.

A Final Farewell

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. This followed a period of declining health, including a 38-day hospitalization earlier in the year due to double pneumonia and other pre-existing conditions such as acute respiratory failure, bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes.

Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance during Easter Mass at Saint Peter's Square, demonstrating his enduring commitment to his faith and followers. Just hours before his passing, he met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Vatican's Santa Marta residence, making Vance the last U.S. politician to see him alive .

The People's Pope

Pope Francis was known as the people's pope because of his approachability. For many Americans, one of Pope Francis's most touching legacies will always be his final visit to the United States in 2015. That trip left a deep emotional imprint, from his address to Congress to his stops in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. But perhaps no moment captured the Pope’s warmth more than his interaction with 4-month-old Quinn Madden. Dressed in a miniature Pope costume, baby Quinn caught Francis’s eye in the crowd. The pontiff’s laugh was captured on video and broadcast worldwide, a rare moment of joy and tenderness. He asked for the child to be brought to him and planted a kiss on Quinn’s forehead. The video went viral, a testament to his universal appeal across age, culture, and creed.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis brought humanity back to the highest office in the Catholic Church. He cracked jokes, shunned opulence, and insisted on dining with the homeless. In a world divided by politics and plagued by injustice, he reminded believers and nonbelievers alike of the enduring power of humility, love, and service.

The People’s Pope and the Open Road

One of the most enduring symbols of Pope Francis’s papacy was his decision to forgo the traditional bulletproof Popemobile — a secure, glass-enclosed vehicle introduced after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. While his predecessors relied on the bulletproof design for protection, Pope Francis rejected it, stating that it created too much distance between him and the faithful.

“It’s true that anything could happen, but let’s be honest, at my age, I don’t have much to lose,” he once joked. “I prefer to take the risk. I want to be close to the people.”

Instead, he opted for simpler, open-air vehicles, including a white Jeep Wrangler and even a modest Fiat during some international trips. His choice wasn’t just about humility, it was a statement. Pope Francis believed that being physically and emotionally accessible was essential to his role. He often stepped out to kiss babies, bless the disabled, and greet those in the crowd with a warmth and humanity that defined his papacy.

This decision made headlines and sparked admiration from both devout Catholics and secular observers alike. It underscored his commitment to embodying servant leadership — choosing connection over security, simplicity over extravagance, and presence over protection.

A Legacy of Reform and Compassion

Elected in 2013 following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. His papacy was marked by efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, address the clergy sexual abuse crisis, and shift the Church's focus toward mercy and social justice. He advocated for the poor, emphasized environmental stewardship, and took progressive stances on issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion and the death penalty 

The Conclave and Papal Interregnum

With Pope Francis's passing, the Catholic Church enters a period known as the papal interregnum, during which the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new pope. This process, steeped in tradition, has been depicted in popular culture, notably in the 2024 Oscar-winning film "Conclave."

With cinematic precision, it introduced millions to the sacred and secretive process of the conclave: the locked Sistine Chapel, the whispered prayers, and the symbolic smoke that signals the result. Black smoke denotes a failed vote; white smoke, the jubilant announcement that “Habemus Papam!”—We have a pope.

The conclave follows the guidelines set forth in "Universi Dominici Gregis," requiring a two-thirds majority vote from the cardinals under the age of 80. The world now watches as the Church prepares for this sacred tradition, awaiting the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney.

Mourning and Reflection

As the global Catholic community mourns the loss of Pope Francis, tributes pour in celebrating his dedication to compassion, humility, and reform. His legacy as a bridge-builder and advocate for the marginalized continues to inspire, reminding the faithful of the enduring power of empathy and service.​

Pope Francis' final wishes included a simple burial, in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc, at St. Mary Major Basilica, reflecting his lifelong commitment to humility and simplicity. This is a departure from the usual traditional three-layered papal coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. He also wrote that his tomb should be "simple, without particular decoration" and bear only the inscription "Franciscus"

In this time of transition, the world honors a pope who truly embodied the spirit of his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, and whose impact will resonate for generations to come.