This Monday, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of a transformative pontificate that sought to modernize the Catholic Church and give a voice to the marginalized. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news with profound sorrow, recalling the Pope’s life dedicated to serving God and those most in need.
The announcement shocked the world, coming less than a day after the Pope’s public appearance during the Easter blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica. Despite his delicate health, Francis fulfilled his duties to the very end, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the Church.
The election of the new pontiff
The death of Pope Francis begins a period of mourning in the Vatican and an age-old process to elect his successor. Cardinals under the age of 80 will meet in conclave to elect the new pope, a process that usually lasts between two and three weeks, although it could be extended. Before that, there will be the “Novendiales,” nine days of mourning, and the Pope’s funeral, which must take place between the fourth and sixth day after his death.
A reformist pope and defender of the marginalized
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Latin American Jesuit pope, marked a milestone in the history of the Church. Since his election, Francis earned a reputation as a modernizer, championing the poor, migrants, and the environment. He sought to reform the Church, combating corruption and promoting the inclusion of divorced people, homosexuals, and women in the Church.
His openness to dialogue with the Muslim world and his role as a mediator in international conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, earned him global recognition. However, his reforms also generated resistance among ultraconservative sectors of the Church, who criticized him for not going far enough on issues such as the ordination of married men and doctrine on homosexuality.
Despite his efforts, Francis failed to completely eradicate the clerical sexual abuse scandal, a stain that marred his pontificate.
A farewell dedicated to service
Pope Francis’s final days were dedicated to celebrating Easter, the most important event in the Christian calendar. He participated in various ceremonies and offered the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, demonstrating his dedication to the end.
“It’s extraordinary that, at the height of the Church’s liturgical year, at its height, the pope should die, and it’s, in a way, very appropriate, because, of course, the Easter message is about death and new life,” said Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican correspondent.
The death of Pope Francis leaves a void in the Catholic Church and the world, but his legacy of reform, service, and advocacy for the marginalized will live on.
