News Writer Cassandra Fong reports on Pope Francis’s passing, aged 88
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Ashwin Vaswani
Content warning: discussions of death, sexual abuse
On April 21, 2025, the world mourned Pope Francis’s passing at the age of 88. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he ascended to the papacy in 2013 as the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name Francis—a choice reflecting his commitment to humility and service. His death, occurring on Easter Monday, marks the end of a transformative era for the Roman Catholic Church and the global community.
Upon his election as pope, Francis chose “Francis” to honour St. Francis of Assisi, symbolising his dedication to poverty, humility, and care for the poor. His papacy was characterised by a focus on social justice, advocating for the rights of refugees, the poor, and marginalised communities. He famously remarked, “Who am I to judge?” regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasising compassion over condemnation.
Pope Francis consistently advocated for the poor, refugees, and marginalised communities, throughout his papacy
Pope Francis consistently advocated for the poor, refugees, and marginalised communities throughout his papacy. His 2015 encyclical Laudato si‘ addressed environmental degradation and its moral implications, urging a collective responsibility to care for our common home. He also emphasised the importance of social justice, calling for economic systems that prioritise human dignity over profit.
Despite his efforts, Pope Francis’s tenure was not without challenges. His attempts to reform the Vatican’s financial systems were met with resistance, and his handling of sexual abuse cases within the Church drew criticism. Some felt that his responses were insufficient and lacked transparency. Additionally, his stance on certain doctrinal issues, such as the ordination of women and same-sex marriage, remained conservative, leading to disappointment among progressive factions within the Church.
Pope Francis’s legacy is not easily categorised. His tenure was marked by a deep commitment to humility, mercy, and dialogue, and his leadership redefined many aspects of how the Church engages with the modern world. As the cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel for the next papal conclave, they do so in the immense shadow of a man who consistently challenged them—and the entire Church—to look outward toward the margins of society.
In his final public appearance, Pope Francis reiterated his call for peace and reconciliation, urging world leaders to prioritise dialogue over conflict. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence discussions on faith, justice, and global cooperation.
leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence discussions on faith, justice, and global cooperation.
As the white smoke eventually rises again over the Sistine Chapel, and a new voice announces Habemus Papam, the Church and the world will await not just a name, but a vision. Whether the next pope will echo Francis’s vision or chart a new course, he will do so from a foundation laid by a pontiff who reminded the Church, again and again, to smell like the sheep, walk with the wounded, and keep the doors of mercy wide open.
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