Farewell to Pope Francis: The Death of a Humble Revolutionary

Pope Francis passes away after a colorful life

Pope Francis the highest religious leader of the worlds Catholic Christian community passed away on Monday April 21 2025 at 7:35 am Vatican time. He was 88 years old at the time of his death. He was a figure who not only played an active role as a religious leader but also played an active role in various important issues of humanity the environment and society. His death has cast a shadow of mourning around the world.

Early life

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires Argentina on December 17 1936. His birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was the son of an ordinary working class family of Italian descent. Attracted to religion and humanitarian service in his youth he decided to devote himself to becoming a priest. Early in his life he studied chemistry and even worked as a railway cleaner.

Beginning of religious life

He joined the Jesuit Order in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He quickly distinguished himself in spiritual practice education and social service. In 1998 he was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was named a cardinal in 2001.

Election as Pope

When Pope Benedict XVI retired in 2013 Jorge Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope on March 13 2013. He was the first Latin American Pope and the first member of the Society of Jesus to hold this high office. He took the name Francis in homage to Saint Francis of Assisi who was a symbol of poverty and peace.

Philosophy and work of Pope Francis

Pope Francis was at once humble humanist and reformist. He broke with dogma and advocated for social justice poverty alleviation environmental protection migrant rights and interfaith dialogue. He advocated for increased internal transparency and accountability within the church and took a strong stance on sensitive issues such as sexual abuse.

He was also an important moral voice in world politics. His message of peace anti war stance and defense of human values was powerful and timely. His writings on climate change were praised worldwide especially his encyclical Laudato Si in which he emphasized the responsibility of world leaders to protect the environment.

Death and reaction

Pope Francis had been suffering from various physical problems related to old age and lung disease for some time. After a month of treatment he was released from the hospital on March 22 and met with his devotees. Finally he died in Vatican City at 7:35 am local time on Sunday. According to Vatican sources he was surrounded by his closest priests and associates in his final moments. As news of his death spread leaders religious institutions and ordinary people around the world expressed deep grief.

Many world leaders including the Secretary General of the United Nations leaders of the European Union and the US president paid tribute to him. National mourning was declared in Argentina and preparations began in the Vatican for a state funeral.

Legacy

Pope Francis was a leader who wanted to make the church not just a religious institution but a humanitarian refuge. He preferred to stand by the common people contrary to traditional spectacle or pomp. Acts such as feeding the poor washing the feet of the disabled or praying in prisons have distinguished his personality.

The ideals teachings and beliefs he left behind will live forever in the hearts of billions of people around the world.

Last Words

Pope Francis was a living symbol of faith humanity and humility. While his death marked the end of an era his idealistic spirit will continue to inspire the world for generations to come.