Remembering Pope Francis: A Legacy of Humility, Reform, and Compassion - Faith & Freedom News

Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, will mark a day of global mourning as Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88. His death—announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell—comes after a courageous battle with double pneumonia, underscoring a life shaped by both personal suffering and unshakable dedication to service.

From Jorge Bergoglio to Pope Francis

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected the 266th pope on March 13, 2013. He brought to the papacy a refreshing spirit of humility, choosing simpler accommodations and championing the poor, migrants, and marginalized. His tenure saw bold reforms: Vatican financial transparency, expanded roles for laypeople, and an emphasis on mercy over judgment—sometimes earning both praise and criticism across the global Church.

Final Days and Faithful Witness

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on February 14, 2025, for bronchitis, later diagnosed as bilateral pneumonia on February 18. After 38 days in hospital, he returned to the Casa Santa Marta, where on Easter Monday at 7:35 AM (10:35 PKT), he “returned to the house of the Father,” as Cardinal Farrell solemnly announced. His resilience, even amid frail health, was emblematic of his message: suffering shared in faith brings hope to the world.

A Simpler Rite for a Humble Shepherd

In April 2024, anticipating his own mortality, Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, simplifying papal funeral rites. The new protocol—placing the pope’s body immediately in the coffin in the chapel where death is ascertained—reflects his conviction that a pontiff’s passing is not a display of worldly power, but the farewell of a pastor and disciple of Christ.

Enduring Impact on the Global Church

Pope Francis leaves behind a Church transformed by his emphasis on universal love, social justice, and ecumenical dialogue. He often reminded the faithful that the Gospel calls us to “live with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.” His life and teachings will continue to inspire future generations to pursue reform with compassion at its heart.