By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
The People’s Pope. The first non-European pontiff. The first leader of the Catholic Church from the Jesuit order. The first pope who hailed from the Western Hemisphere.
These are only some of the numerous achievements of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known across the world as Pope Francis, who passed away this Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican, informing the public of the Pope’s demise a day after his public appearance at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday.
The Argentinian pontiff was the first to have chosen the name “Francis” upon assuming papacy following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. He was even cited by Time magazine as the “Person of the Year” as he faithfully exercised his duties and called for a church of healing.
Since assuming his role as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, he has brought many reforms that have redefined the church as many know it today.
He wrote the papal encyclical Laudato si’ (“Praise be to You”, 2015), a treatise that showcases his advocacy for environmental stewardship and a call towards addressing the effects of climate change.
During his tenure, the late Pope was also lauded for his humility by issuing apologies to survivors of clergy sexual abuse and praying for victims of such malpractices by members of the Catholic Church.
Likewise, Francis was also praised by members of the LGBTQ+ community as he championed more inclusivity by approving Catholic priests’ blessings of same-sex marriage.
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