Remembering Pope Francis

Written by: Sitara Nair

This Monday, on April 21, 2025, at 88 years old, Pope Francis unfortunately passed away. He was the head of the Catholic Church, and his papacy lasted about twelve years. Elected as the 266th pope, Pope Francis had a long legacy in the Catholic church, so let’s dive into what it means to be pope, and who Pope Francis truly was.

What does it mean to be the Pope?

Being the Pope of the Catholic Church comes with numerous responsibilities, including being the highest authority on faith and morals and representing unity and leadership for Catholics worldwide. The Pope is also known as the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the largest branch of Christianity. He is seen as the spiritual successor to Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles and the first bishop of Rome. The title of Pope involves overseeing the Holy See, the central government of the Catholic Church. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “The word see comes from the Latin sedes, meaning 'seat,'” which refers to the episcopal chair occupied by a bishop and the area over which he has responsibility. The Holy See serves as the headquarters of the Catholic Church and is managed by a group of officials known as the Roman Curia. These officials are divided into various teams, each with a specific role, such as educating people about the faith, assisting missionaries, or ensuring adherence to church regulations. In straightforward terms, the Pope leads the Church while his assistants ensure that all aspects of the Church's operations are carried out correctly. The Pope resides in Vatican City, which is recognized as the smallest independent country in the world. At just 109 acres, the Vatican is encircled by a 2-mile border with Italy, making it a quaint country for the Pope to reside.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis was the first Latin American Pope (as well as the latest non-European pope in more than a millennium!), coming from Buenos Aires, Argentina, in South America. His full name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, carried weight, as he was a man of service, kindness, and good faith for all. Many consider Pope Francis as an agent of change, as he was constantly advocating for things from migrant rights to the significance of global warming. His legacy as a change-maker will never be forgotten, but rather treasured and appreciated. In his early years, the Pope received a chemical technician's diploma from his high school, and ended up entering the the Jesuit novitiate in March of 1958. As a child, Pope Francis aspired to be a chemist, drawn to the subject in school, which likely explains his advocacy for climate change. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis adopted a humble lifestyle, rejecting conventional ways. He lived in a Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace, drove a simple car, and frequently performed acts of humility, including washing the feet of prisoners, women, and Muslims. These actions highlighted his commitment to serving the marginalized and his conviction in leading by example.​Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis championed the rights and dignity of marginalized groups. He reached out to refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the poor, advocating for their inclusion and protection. His encyclical Laudato Si’ addressed environmental issues, urging action against climate change and promoting care for the planet as a moral imperative. ​Pope Francis's legacy embodies transformative leadership, as he was dedicated to his people, had much compassion, and fought for social justice. His initiatives to reform the Church and support marginalized communities have made a lasting impact on the Catholic Church. Below are images of Pope Francis: