Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church from March 2013 until his death on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He was notable as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years.

His papacy was marked by a strong emphasis on social justice, climate change, and addressing the most marginalized in society. He referred to the planet as "our common home" and released the encyclical "Laudato Si'" to highlight the dangers of climate change, urging world leaders to replace fossil fuels. Known for his humility, he chose modest living arrangements even as pope. Francis encouraged dialogue on issues like communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, contraception, and the role of women in leadership, though he did not support ordaining women as priests or deacons. He described the Trump administration's mass deportation policy as a "major crisis". His encyclical Fratelli Tutti focused on universal human fraternity and social friendship, informed by interreligious dialogue and embracing religious pluralism, citing his joint document with the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb which stated the diversity of religions is willed by God. He also extended the ability for priests to absolve the sin of abortion and updated the Catechism to deem the death penalty inadmissible. Francis took steps to address the sexual abuse scandal, acknowledging mistakes and abolishing "pontifical secrecy" in these cases.

Francis faced criticism, including accusations of actions falling short of his words or going too far for some Catholics. Points of contention included his approach to the Traditional Latin Mass, handling of abuse cases, and perceived ambiguity in statements.

In his later years, Francis experienced declining health, with issues including chronic lung damage, knee problems, sciatica, bronchitis, and pneumonia. He had hospitalizations in March 2023 and a five-week stay in early 2025 for severe respiratory issues, including bilateral pneumonia and early-stage kidney failure. Despite health setbacks, he appeared publicly after his discharge and met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. He died the next day, April 21, 2025, at his Vatican residence. The cause of death was listed as a stroke followed by irreversible cardiac arrest, with type 2 diabetes and hypertension as contributing factors.

In accordance with his wishes for simplified rites and humility, Francis requested burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, deviating from the tradition of popes being interred in the Vatican. His funeral is scheduled for April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square and is expected to be attended by numerous international dignitaries. His legacy is seen as challenging the Church and the world towards greater justice and compassion, though the lasting impact is considered an open question dependent on his successor.

Pope Francis Life And Legacy Deep Dive