Pope Francis: tributes paid after head of Catholic church dies aged 88

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, on Easter Monday. The pontiff had been in poor health for several weeks prior to his death, struggling with chronic lung disease, including a respiratory crisis and pneumonia.
Early Life and Priesthood
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. He joined the Jesuits in 1958 and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969. Bergoglio became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was elevated to cardinal in 2001.
Papacy
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by his commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue. Some notable aspects of his tenure include ¹:
Reform and Outreach: He made women full members of dicasteries in the Roman Curia and advocated for a more sympathetic approach towards the LGBTQ community.
Environmental Advocacy: Francis made action on climate change a key focus of his papacy, criticizing unbridled capitalism and consumerism.
Human Rights and Migration: He called for the protection of migrants and criticized anti-immigration politics, denouncing the death penalty as “intrinsically evil”.
Interfaith Dialogue: Pope Francis worked to restore diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba and supported the cause of refugees.
Legacy and Tributes
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from around the world, acknowledging his tireless work for the poor and marginalized. World leaders and Catholic faithful alike mourned the loss of a spiritual leader who had become a global figure, known for his humility and emphasis on God’s mercy.
Despite controversy surrounding his handling of certain issues, Pope Francis remained a beloved figure, celebrated for his dedication to his faith and humanity. His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, and his legacy will continue to shape the Church’s direction in the years to come.