Pope's Life And Legacy, What Happens Now In Rome, Reaction From South America

Summary

Up First from NPR: Pope's Life and Legacy, What Happens Now in Rome, Reaction From South America

Release Date: April 21, 2025

On this poignant episode of NPR's Up First, hosts Steve Inskeep and Amy Martinez delve into the sudden passing of Pope Francis, exploring his profound legacy, the immediate impact on the Vatican, and the heartfelt reactions from South America. Through insightful interviews with NPR correspondents Ruth Sherlock in Rome, Jason DeRose on religion, and Kerry Conn in South America, the episode offers a comprehensive reflection on one of the most beloved pontiffs in recent history.

Announcement of Pope Francis' Passing

The episode opens with the grave news of Pope Francis' death.

Steve Inskeep reports, "The Vatican says Pope Francis has died at the age of 88."

Amy Martinez adds, "He was one of the most popular pontiffs in decades and also a towering figure on the world stage. We will reflect on his legacy" (00:07).

Pope Francis: A Historic Pontificate

Amy Martinez highlights Pope Francis' groundbreaking role, noting, "Pope Francis was the first non-European pope in more than a millennium. He set many precedents. The first Jesuit pope, the first pope to take the name of Saint Francis of Assisi, and the first pope from the global South" (00:31). Her commentary underscores his progressive stance on critical issues, including LGBTQ rights, immigration, and environmental concerns.

Health Struggles and Sudden Passing

Ruth Sherlock, NPR’s international correspondent based in Rome, provides an in-depth account of Pope Francis' final days. She explains, "The Pope had been struggling with life-threatening double pneumonia. He'd been in hospital... on the 14th of February he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for 5 weeks, which was the longest stay in his 12-year papacy" (02:04). Despite initial signs of recovery, the Vatican announced his sudden death at 7:35 AM, describing it as his return "to the house of the Father" (02:26).

Final Public Appearances and Messages

Before his passing, Pope Francis made significant public appearances. Ruth Sherlock recounts his interactions, stating, "He met with J.D. Vance, the American Vice President who was visiting Italy... he appeared at Easter Mass and he said, 'Christ, my hope has risen'" (03:44). This speech, delivered despite his weakened state, emphasized his enduring commitment to peace and the plight of the poor, particularly highlighting conflicts such as those in Israel and Gaza.

Funeral Plans and Papal Traditions

The episode touches upon the anticipated funeral arrangements. Ruth Sherlock informs listeners, "It will happen in between four and five days. And he's tried to strip away a lot of the pomp from papal funeral... he said that the Pontiff's funeral should be that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world" (05:06). This approach reflects Pope Francis' lifelong dedication to humility and service.

Reflections on His Papacy

Jason DeRose, NPR’s religion correspondent, shares his perspectives on Pope Francis' tenure. He recalls, "Early in his papacy, he took a trip to the island of Lampedusa to highlight the plight of refugees in North Africa... He even drew attention to migrants and refugees right before the US Election" (06:41). DeRose emphasizes Francis' advocacy for the vulnerable and his efforts to integrate social justice with religious leadership.

Highlighting his environmental efforts, DeRose notes, "His first solo encyclical of his papacy was focused on the environment. It was about care for creation, which he said God created as good" (06:44). He further discusses Francis' balanced approach, maintaining traditional church doctrines while promoting progressive social issues.

Legacy in the United States

When asked about Pope Francis' legacy in the United States, Jason DeRose states, "He'll be remembered as the first pope from the Americas... one of his legacies, I think, will be his openness to dialogue" (07:55). DeRose credits Francis with revitalizing the church's connection with younger generations and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate religious community.

Personal Story and Impact in South America

The episode transitions to Kerry Conn, NPR’s South America correspondent, who explores Pope Francis' roots and his enduring influence in Argentina and beyond. Conn narrates, "He was born there to Italian immigrant parents that had fled Fascist Italy... he joined the Jesuits after high school and rose to become the archbishop of Buenos Aires during a time of military dictatorship" (09:40).

Conn shares personal testimonies from Argentines, such as Veronica Lopez, a high school teacher who says, "He always stood with the poor, those on the bottom rungs of society, and was such a strong proponent of social justice" (10:40). These reflections highlight his commitment to social equity and his humble origins, which endeared him to millions.

Regional Significance and Unfulfilled Visits

Pope Francis' significance extends across Latin America, as Conn explains, "People were very disappointed that he never came and visited, especially in his homeland... many regret so much that Pope Francis never got a chance to come home" (11:45). While his visits to countries like Mexico and Cuba were warmly received, his inability to return to Argentina left a lingering sense of unfulfilled promise among his compatriots.

Concluding Reflections

The episode concludes by honoring Pope Francis' legacy as a compassionate leader who bridged divides and advocated for the marginalized. His pastoral approach, combined with his progressive stances on critical global issues, cemented his role as a transformative figure in the Catholic Church and on the world stage.

Steve Inskeep and Amy Martinez wrap up the episode by acknowledging the profound impact of Pope Francis' life and work, ensuring that listeners are well-informed about the significance of his passing and the enduring influence he leaves behind.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Steve Inskeep: "The Vatican says Pope Francis has died at the age of 88." (00:03)
• Amy Martinez: "He was one of the most popular pontiffs in decades and also a towering figure on the world stage." (00:07)
• Ruth Sherlock: "The Vatican's Cardinal Kevin Farrell said the Bishop of Rome Francis returned to the house of the Father." (02:26)
• Jason DeRose: "He'll be remembered as the first pope from the Americas... his openness to dialogue." (07:55)
• Kerry Conn: "He always stood with the poor, those on the bottom rungs of society, and was such a strong proponent of social justice." (10:40)

This episode of Up First serves as a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, encapsulating his enduring legacy and the void his passing leaves in both the religious community and the global stage.

Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

The Vatican says Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.

[Amy Martinez]

He was one of the most popular pontiffs in decades and also a towering figure on the world stage. We will reflect on his legacy.

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm Steve Inskeep with a Martinez and this is up first from NPR News. The pontiff died after a working weekend. He met with Vice President J.D. vance and and also spoke to people on Easter Sunday. Ruth Sherlock is in Rome and brings us what we know.

[Amy Martinez]

Pope Francis was the first non European pope in more than a millennium. He set many precedents. The first Jesuit pope, the first pope to take the name of Saint Francis of Assisi, and the first pope from the global South. He also didn't shy away from speaking about LGBTQ issues, immigration or the environment. Which moments of his papacy stood out. Stay with us. We'll get all the news you need to start your day Foreign.

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[Amy Martinez]

Get your great [e-mail] we can expect this week of news to be dominated by the memory of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

[Steve Inskeep]

He was better known to the world as Pope Francis. When he was elected to his exalted post in 2013, he assumed the name of a St. Francis of Assisi who deliberately lived in poverty. Francis cast an image of humility during years of strain and change within his church and around the world. He had a lot to say about both things and we will be hearing a lot about him.

[Amy Martinez]

Yes, we sure will. With us on the line from Rome is NPR international correspondent Ruth Sherlock. Ruth, the Pope had been unwell, but it seemed like he was making his way back. And then the announcement of his death, seemingly very suddenly. What can you Tell us.

[Ruth Sherlock]

Well, that's right. I mean, the Pope had been struggling with life threatening double pneumonia. He'd been in Hospital. On the 14th of February he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for 5 weeks, which was the longest stay in his 12 year Papacy. And at that time there were prayers for Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square every day. You know, I interviewed faithful in tears believing that this might be the moment. But he made this recovery and he was brought back to the Vatican, back to his house in the Vatican. And it seemed as though he was recovering. But the Vatican says made the announcement that he passed away suddenly at 7:35 this morning. The Vatican's Cardinal Kevin Farrell said the Bishop of Rome Francis returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church. But as I said, you know, he was starting to make more public appearances in his convalescence. In fact he was, he was made an appearance yesterday at Easter Mass.

[Amy Martinez]

Right, tell us about that. And who he met with.

[Ruth Sherlock]

Right. Well, first he actually met with J.D. vance, the American Vice President who was visiting in Italy. And that was a, it was not clear if that was going to happen, but he did have that brief meeting and then he appeared at Easter Mass and he said, christ, my hope has risen. He had a speech which he wasn't well enough to read out. You know, he was still quite breathless in his recovery from this double pneumonia. So he hadn't been able to speak very much public publicly. But the message that he had at this Easter Mass, it in some ways this is his last message. And this in some ways really went to the heart of what his papacy was about. He focused a lot on conflict and on the plight of the poor. Pope Francis was the first Latin American Pope and in this speech he spoke about the conflict happening in Israel and Gaza. So he talked about people wounded by conflict and called for an end to this endless outbursts of violence. He said, I appeal once again for immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He's been calling church in Gaza every day for months. And he again appealed to the international community, said, you know, come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.

[Amy Martinez]

Yeah, that sounds exactly like something he would say. What do we know about funeral plans for the Pope?

[Ruth Sherlock]

It will happen in between four and five days. And he's tried to strip away a lot of the pomp from papal funeral. In fact, he's asked to be buried in a simpler casket in the past. He said that the Pontiff's funeral should be that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world.

[Amy Martinez]

That's NPR international correspondent Ruth Sherlock in Rome. Ruth, thank you very much.

[Ruth Sherlock]

Thank you.

[Amy Martinez]

All right, let's bring in NPR religion correspondent Jason DeRose. Now. Jason, you've covered Pope Francis for years. Were some of the moments of his papacy that most stick with you?

[Jason DeRose]

Well, I think of a number of issues that he addressed during the 12 years that he was pope, immigrants and refugees, the environment, politics and gender, and LGBTQ plus issues in the area of immigrants. Early in his papacy, he took a trip to the island of Lampedusa to highlight the plight of refugees in North Africa. Princess also traveled to the island of Lesbos to highlight refugees from the Middle East. He talked about refugees being especially close to the heart of God. And he reminded people of the biblical story that Jesus, Mary and Joseph, shortly after Jesus birth, had to flee from Bethlehem to Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill Jesus. And he even drew attention to migrants and refugees right before the US Election, saying that US Catholics should think about things like immigration in addition to issues such as abortion when they go to the polls.

[Amy Martinez]

He was seen as a progressive in some ways.

[Jason DeRose]

Well, that's right. In other areas, such as the environment. His first solo encyclical of his papacy was focused on the environment. It was about care for creation, which he said God created as good. And, you know, he focused on the environment because the poorest of the earth are most directly affected by environmental degradation. This was all connected for him. Desertification, flooding led to famine and poverty and people being displaced. And that leads to a global migrant crisis. So that leads back to his interesting concern about immigrants. In the area of politics, he weighed in just earlier this year when Vice President J.D. vance tried to say that Catholic teaching was to care for your family and your community before caring for others. And Pope Francis really called him to task for that. He said care is not about concentric circles, that a Christian cares for the most in need first care. And that means one should focus on migrants and refugees. Again, getting back to that theme of.

[Amy Martinez]

His to balance, though his progressive stance is, he also reaffirmed the all male celibate priesthood and also upheld the church's abortion stance. So there was a balance there with Pope Francis. What do you think his legacy as pope will be here in the United States?

[Jason DeRose]

Well, I think he'll be remembered as the first pope from the Americas, of course, the first pope from outside Europe in more than 1,000 years. One of his legacies, I think, will be his openness to dialogue. You know, he just led this series of conversations within the church about how the church wants to exist, should exist and should talk to itself, listen to the people in the pews. It shouldn't be so top down, but should be much more bottom up. He had an amazing appeal to younger people. You know, when I would go out and talk to people of, you know, in their teens and 20s and early 30s, they really felt a connection. He was the pope of their life. I spoke with a number of younger Catholics who we'll hear from later today on All Things Considered about just that. And then, you know, I also think of a return to the church. Many people who had left, say under the previous pope, Pope Benedict, who was stricter, Francis, brought them back to the church. He brought a great deal of openness.

[Amy Martinez]

To them, popular around the world. What about quickly in the United States? Was he as well liked in the.

[Jason DeRose]

U.S. you know, not just enormously popular among Catholics, but enormously popular with non Catholics. He was a pastor first. And I think that really came through a very different pope from Pope Benedict, who was much more top down.

[Amy Martinez]

NPR religion correspondent Jason derose. Jason, thank you.

[Jason DeRose]

You're welcome.

[Amy Martinez]

Now, a big part of the pope's appeal was his personal story.

[Steve Inskeep]

Yeah, he was the son of immigrants. He grew up in Argentina, lived through turbulent times and became the first pope ever from Latin America.

[Amy Martinez]

Let's go now to NPR's South America correspondent, Kerry Conn. Carrie, tell us about Pope Francis before he was pope and his upbringing in Argentina.

[Kerry Conn]

Right. As you all said, he was born there to immigrant Italian immigrant parents that had fled Fascist Italy. He lived in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires. He did learn some Italian as a child, but his parents wanted him to assimilate and really emphasize Spanish at home. He joined the Jesuits there after high school. And during his time in Argentina, the church where he rose to actually be archbishop of Buenos Aires, there were conflicts in there and it was a time of turmoil in Argentina. Of course, there was the military dictatorship that he lived through, which had taken power under the auspices of fighting communism. There were leftist wings of the church, where believers and proponents of progressive teachings of liberation theology were. Pope Francis has also endured criticism for some of his stances during that times, and critics charge he didn't do enough to defend those imprisoned and tortured under the dictatorship.

[Amy Martinez]

How is he likely to be remembered in Argentina?

[Kerry Conn]

Well, I went there recently and I did speak to many Argentines, you know, just how they wanted they felt about the pope's legacy and their feelings toward him. I went to the main cathedral in Buenos Aires where he delivered mass there a lot. He was the archbishop overwhelmingly. You know, of course he's remembered, he's loved, he's treasured. I do want to play you a little bit of what I heard. I found high school teacher, this high school teacher, Veronica Lopez, at Mass there. She says she actually received communion from Pope Francis at her confirmation decades ago and talked about his commitment to the poor. She says he always stood with the poor, those on the bottom rungs of society, and was such a strong proponent of social justice. She says she really loved how he stressed values, moral values above wealth, and how important for a pope in this world it was to do that. Many remember, too, that the Pope was a die hard soccer fan and a lot of people in soccer crazed Argentina mentioned that, too. I just had to add that.

[Amy Martinez]

Absolutely. Absolutely. Now, what do you think the first Latin American pontiff means to the region more broadly?

[Kerry Conn]

Well, he was just they loved that he was from Latin America, Argentina and even in neighboring Brazil, where I'm based, I would hear that a lot. But a lot of people also were very disappointed that he never came and visited, especially in his homeland. Don't forget, this is a region that has some of the largest Catholic populations in the world. Brazil's the largest. He did come to Mexico in the summer of 2014. I was there. I remember that he was warmly welcomed by the people. I remember joining crowds lining the streets. He came through on his popemobile. People were very excited to see the first Latin American pope. He did get a bit of a chilly reception by Mexico's conservative church hierarchy. I was also there when he came to Cuba and he was well, crowds of people greeting him. He did not speak out about the Communist government at the time, and that had disappointed many dissidents. But people were very disappointed that when you speak to Argentines that they regret so much that Pope Francis never got a chance to come home.

[Amy Martinez]

That's NPR South America correspondent Kerry Connor. Kerry, thank you very much.

[Kerry Conn]

You're welcome.

[Amy Martinez]

And that's a first for Monday, April 21st. I'm Amy Martinez.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm Steve Inskeep. Your next listen is consider this from NPR News. We here at Up FIRST give you three big stories of the day. And consider this dives into a single news story and what it means to you. Listen on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amy Martinez]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Russell Lewis, James Dubeck, Miguel Macias, Arzu Rezvani and Janaya Williams. It was produced by Ziad Bach, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Damien Herring, and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.

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