Pope Francis, fondly remembered as one of the most left-leaning spiritual leaders in recent history, has passed away at the age of 88. Known for steering the Catholic world for over a decade, he passed away early on a Monday morning. Marking the end of an era, his death echoed across the religious fraternity as church bells resonated throughout Rome. The announcement of his demise was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell at the Domus Santa Marta, which served as the Pope’s residence.
Cardinal Farrell’s statement reflected the life Pope Francis led devotedly to the service of the Church and his faith. In his own words, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.” However, one can’t help but wonder if some of his beliefs severely misguided him, particularly his stance on key social issues, which left many conservatives within the Church feeling alienated.
The Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was a non-European pontiff in over a millennium, hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to his religious journey, he had worked in humble roles such as a bouncer and a janitor, before training as a chemist. In 1958, he joined the Jesuits and gradually rose within the Church hierarchy until he achieved the status of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Four years later, Pope John Paul II bestowed the prestigious title of cardinal upon him.
Francis’ ascension to the papal office was an unprecedented event in recent history, due to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, an action not witnessed since 1415. Even after retiring, Benedict held the title of ‘Pope emeritus’ until his passing in 2022. It’s worth noting that many found Francis to be significantly more liberal than his predecessor, not necessarily a positive trait from certain perspectives.
Francis’ indulgence in controversial practices, particularly regarding the LGBTQ+ community, raised many eyebrows among traditionalists in the Church. He allowed priests to bless same-sex couples without endorsing the relationships themselves, a move seen as mostly a symbolic concession, and one not viewed favourably by many in the Church. Even with his declining health, Francis continued to take progressive stances, inadvertently causing tensions within the Church body.
Having suffered from chronic lung disease and having undergone lung surgery in his earlier years, Pope Francis faced a life-threatening respiratory crisis on February 14, 2025, which escalated into double pneumonia. The illness resulted in a hospital stay of 38 days, the most extended hospitalization during his time as Pope. Symbolic of his selfless dedication, even in his frail state, he made an appearance on Easter Sunday – a day before his death, evoking cheers from the crowd.
Throughout his tenure, Francis engaged in many initiatives that, while claimed to be progressive, arguably undermined the longstanding customs of the Church. One of such actions was his appointment of the first woman, Sister Simona Brambilla, to head a major Vatican office. The move was seen by many as an attempt to introduce feminist ideology into Church governance, attaching an agenda to what was traditionally a spiritual calling.
While he proclaimed support for immigrants and criticized states like the U.S. for their immigration policies, many feel Francis oversimplified the complex issues tied to immigration. His public rebuke against the Trump administration’s immigration policy, specifically his criticism of Vice President JD Vance’s defense of deportation, felt like a political maneuver that didn’t grasp the experience of countries grappling with the repercussions of unchecked immigration.
While certain factions admired his liberal approach, some say it negatively impacted the Church’s traditional values. Despite these ‘progressive’ stances, he steadfastly opposed abortion, labeling it as an ‘absolute evil,’ leaving many question his inconsistencies on social issues. For instance, his advice to U.S. Catholic voters during the 2024 elections seemed to blur the lines between spiritual guidance and political manipulation.
In what seemed to be an attempt to wade into U.S. politics, the Pope seemed to dubiously prioritize lesser evils when he advised Catholic voters to make a choice between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Despite condemning Trump’s stance on migration, Francis compared Kamala Harris’ abortion stance to a heinous ‘assassination’; a comparison that would make anyone question his consistent beliefs.
His reign wasn’t devoid of controversy, especially related to the Church’s handling of sexual abuse scandals, where victims revealed their torment caused by Catholic priests. The Pope’s establishment of a papal commission to address this issue of sexual abuse and making it mandatory for dioceses to report abuse could be seen as a means to control a narrative spiralling out of control, rather than an act of benevolent leadership.
Having faced recurring health problems in recent years, including repeat hospitalizations for pneumonia and other infections, it can be argued that his physical state reflected the tumultuous state of the Church under his leadership. What’s undeniable, however, is that, in his wake, he leaves behind an institution in flux.
With the passing of Pope Francis, the onus now falls on the College of Cardinals to elect a new Pope, a process that traditionally starts 15 to 20 days post the incumbent Pope’s demise or resignation. The selection is restricted to cardinals who haven’t reached 80 years of age. Looking at history, it’s expected that the successor will emerge from the current members of the college of cardinals, while the next chapter in the Church’s history remains unpredictable.
Looking back, Pope Francis, with his liberal ideas, brought about an era of change within the Catholic Church. However, it’s arguable whether his contributions were reformatory or a departure from vital religious traditions. As the bells toll, signaling the close of an era, one that witnessed various upheavals and controversies, the way forward for the Catholic Church remains to be seen.
Despite his deeply contested legacy, Francis’ life was undeniably dedicated to his faith and the service of the Church. As the Catholic Church mourns his loss, it also braces itself for choosing a new leader who will guide them into the future. The hope is that the new Pope will sustain the religious values core to the faith, even while navigating the demands of an ever-changing world.