POPE FRANCIS RETURNS TO THE HOUSE OF HIS FATHER ON EASTER MONDAY
By Maik Ortserga
At 7: 35 am on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the Bishop of Rome, Francis passed on, following a period of declining health. He was aged 88. Francis lived a life of entire service of the Lord and his Church. He lived the details of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized of the world.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, he was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013, until his passing on April 21, 2025.
In 1958, Bergoglio joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) after being inspired by a priest. He studied humanities in Santiago, Chile, and later taught literature and psychology in Argentina. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969 and served as a professor of theology and master of novices.
Francis became the Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and later the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. As a cardinal, he was known for his humility, simple lifestyle, and commitment to social justice.
As pope, Francis was a trailblazer in many ways. He’s the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere. He’s known for his emphasis on God’s mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interreligious dialogue. Some notable aspects of his papacy can be summarised thus:
– making women full members of dicasteries in the Roman Curia
– making action on climate change a key focus of his papacy, criticizing unbridled capitalism and consumerism.
– denouncing the death penalty, advocating for a sympathetic approach towards the LGBTQ community, and supporting the cause of refugees.
– He also helped restore diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba and negotiated a deal with China on appointing bishops.
He will be greatly remembered for his commitment to social justice, interreligious dialogue, and reform within the Catholic Church.
