Pope Francis’s earthly pilgrimage concluded on April 20, 2025, when he peacefully “returned home to the Fatherland” at the age of 88. From his humble beginnings in Buenos Aires to his nearly twelve years as the Bishop of Rome, Jorge Mario Bergoglio embodied a shepherd’s heart—ever attentive to the poor, the marginalized, and the yearning for spiritual renewal.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Flores, a working‑class district of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio was the eldest of five children of Italian immigrants. His early years were marked by a strong devotion to family, faith, and education. After studying chemistry and briefly teaching high school, he felt a deeper calling and entered the Society of Jesus in 1958. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and went on to serve as novice master, provincial superior for Argentina, and—during the turbulent years of military dictatorship—an outspoken advocate for human rights and social justice.
Elevated to Cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, Bergoglio’s pastoral style—marked by simplicity, compassion, and genuine concern for the most vulnerable—set him apart. When the College of Cardinals convened in March 2013, his election as the 266th pope surprised many. He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, signaling his intention to pursue a “poor Church for the poor.” He immediately traded the papal limousine for a modest Ford Focus, opted to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, and invited people of all backgrounds to engage in open dialogue.
Throughout his pontificate, Francis championed a message of mercy: visiting refugees in Lesbos, washing the feet of prisoners and migrants on Holy Thursday, and producing an encyclical on climate stewardship, Laudato si’, which called every person to care for our common home. He convened synods on marriage and the family, urging the Church to accompany, rather than condemn, those in fraught relationships. His outreach extended to non‑believers, world religions, and secular institutions, striving to build peace and understanding across fractured communities.
Despite the burdens of his office—health challenges included knee and lung problems—Francis remained resilient. He endured two abdominal surgeries, yet rarely missed public audiences or international journeys. His final months were marked by gradual withdrawal from public life, as the weight of age made even daily Mass a strenuous effort. In a brief statement released upon his passing, the Vatican highlighted his serenity in facing the end, a testament to a life lived in steadfast faith.
As the world mourns, tributes pour in from leaders of every faith and political stripe, each recalling Francis’s humble leadership and prophetic voice. In Buenos Aires, street corners where children once played have been draped with white and yellow flags in his honor. Pilgrims now flock to Saint Peter’s Square, leaving notes of gratitude and placing flowers at the foot of the Basilica.
The funeral Mass, celebrated on April 24, will be preceded by days of prayer vigils at the Vatican, culminating in a simple interment in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica. Though his earthly journey has ended, the legacy of Pope Francis—his insistence on mercy, his call to the vulnerable, and his unwavering commitment to dialogue—will continue to inspire generations. In the words he often borrowed from Saint Ignatius of Loyola, “Go forth and set the world on fire.” May his memory burn bright in our hearts.
