Pope Francis, aged 88, a man who championed contentious changes aimed at the Catholic Church’s inclusivity, succumbed to an arduous battle with double pneumonia on Easter Monday, as per Vatican reports. Delivering the somber news was Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Pope’s affairs’ overseer, from Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s Vatican residence. An official burial date wasn’t declared immediately but anticipatory estimates suggest a timeline between the upcoming Friday to Sunday.
As per the official cause of death reported by Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, the Pope suffered a fatal stroke leading to irreversible heart failure, resulting in his demise. Details of his final medical condition were made public only on the subsequent Monday following his death. A significant revelation was that Pope Francis had expressed his desire to find his final abode at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome in his last wishes.
Pope Francis’ passing occurred a day after he, despite his deteriorating health condition, addressed the multitudes at St. Peter’s Square, post the Easter Mass, in his unmistakable popemobile. This public appearance was shortly after his extended hospital stay owing to a bout of the severe lung infection, bilateral pneumonia, and related health complications.
The ‘rite of ascertainment of death’ coupled with the ritualistic placement of the departed Pope’s body into the coffin was scheduled to occur around 8 pm local time on Monday, according to Vatican sources. As the foreseeable plans go, the late Pope’s mortal remains are likely to be transferred to the St. Peter’s Basilica by Wednesday morning where his followers would have the somber opportunity to grieve and revere him in prayer.
On Easter Sunday, in his final public speech, the late Pope addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza and advocated for peace, a sentiment often overlooked in such tumultuous times. His address also carried undertones of hope, perhaps an attempt for his followers to find solace even in his impending demise.
As the pontiff leading the religious beliefs of a staggering global Catholic following of nearing 1.4 billion baptised members, Pope Francis directed conscious efforts towards the adherents of other faiths, a cause riddled with deeper implications. These multiple faith connections were cultivated and sustained through a series of over 45 official overseas visits, amidst which were notable journeys to the conflicted Middle East.
During these extensive travels, Pope Francis engaged in dialogue with members of other faiths inclusive of Jews, Muslims and Buddhists, establishing potential grounds for multi-faith camaraderie. This was seen as a quintessential part of his papal role which seemed to overstep the established norms of Catholic religious boundaries.
Born on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis, originally Jorge Mario Bergoglio, hailed from Buenos Aires. The son of Italian immigrants, his early beginnings were humble and encapsulating the immigrant struggle. This experience subsequently played a vital part in shaping his religious journey back in his homeland of Argentina.
Tracing his spiritual lineage, Pope Francis escalated the ranks within the Jesuit establishment prior to his ascendancy to the Pope’s position. Following a momentous election in March 2013, he became the 266th Pope, assuming the colossal responsibility of religious guidance to a Catholic global populace touching 1.4 billion baptized individuals.
His tenure as Pope was marked by attempting radical reform within the Catholic Church, which sparked a series of clashes and disagreements with leaders worldwide. One of his most controversial stances was his unwavering support for immigrant rights, placing him at odds with many conservative political figures.
Despite his failing health in the weeks leading up to his death, Pope Francis showcased an unwavering determination in continuing to fulfill his religious duties. His frail yet resolved appearance at St. Peter’s Square the day before his death epitomized his staunch dedication to service.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was widely recognized for his persistent push towards interfaith solidarity. While this may have been perceived as commendatory, it also added to the controversy surrounding his tenure and amplified the criticisms of his liberalized vision for the Church.
Evoking mixed sentiments, Pope Francis’ decisions often positioned him as a radical reformer within the Church, posing challenges towards tradition. His vision of a more inclusive Church, although marred by dispute, will stand as a distinctive marker of his papal tenure.
Among his last public acts was his call for a cease-fire in Gaza, demonstrating his fervent commitment to global peace until the very end. This, along with his message of hope, will likely reverberate within the hearts of his global following in the wake of his passing.
As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, his legacy invariably underscores his bold, and often debated, stances. His unwavering commitment to controversial reforms would ultimately characterize his time as Pope, challenging traditional Church doctrines in pursuit of a broadened inclusivity.