In a historic moment that marks the end of an era, the world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, a pontiff whose papacy was defined by compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Set to be buried on Saturday, April 26, ceremonies are underway in the Vatican and across the globe to honor the life and legacy of the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013. He made history as the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European to ascend to the papal throne in over 1,200 years.

His election symbolized a turning point—a shift toward inclusivity, simplicity, and deep pastoral concern in a church long marked by tradition and hierarchy.

From the moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and greeted the world with a gentle “Buonasera,” Pope Francis captured hearts.

He chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse rather than the ornate Apostolic Palace, setting the tone for a papacy grounded in humility and service.

He quickly became known for his personal outreach to the marginalized: washing the feet of prisoners, embracing the homeless, and advocating for migrants and refugees.

Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy and dialogue resonated globally, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. His encyclicals—most notably Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti—challenged Catholics and world leaders alike to care for the planet, promote economic equality, and reject the politics of exclusion. His call to “build bridges, not walls” became a signature refrain of his approach to diplomacy and interfaith relations.

Throughout his pontificate, Francis often confronted uncomfortable truths within the Church itself. He acknowledged the pain of sexual abuse survivors and sought to hold church leaders accountable.

While some critics argued he did not go far enough, others recognized the unprecedented transparency he brought to one of the Church’s most painful crises.

He also opened doors for wider discussion on topics once considered taboo within the Vatican walls, including LGBTQ+ inclusion, married priests, and the role of women in Church leadership.

His pastoral visits to war-torn regions and impoverished nations became symbols of solidarity. Whether traveling to South Sudan to support peace efforts or visiting the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, Pope Francis consistently placed himself at the epicenter of global suffering—not as a distant authority figure, but as a fellow human being bearing witness to injustice.

Even in the final years of his life, as age and health challenges began to slow his physical pace, Francis remained intellectually and spiritually vigorous.

He often delivered messages through video, continued to hold general audiences, and never ceased advocating for what he called “a revolution of tenderness.” Despite rumors of resignation, he stayed in office until the end, firmly believing in his mission to shepherd the Church through turbulent times.

The announcement of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief and reflection from around the world. Leaders across faiths and political spheres praised his tireless advocacy for peace and dignity.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, described him as “a father to the world, a light in darkness, and a true servant of the servants of God.”

In Argentina, a national day of mourning was declared. Parishioners filled churches in Buenos Aires to pray for their beloved countryman, whose voice they had once heard in local Masses and who had risen to the highest office of the Catholic faith. In Italy, black flags adorned Vatican offices and churches, while thousands filed into St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects.

The funeral rites began with a lying-in-state ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica, drawing mourners from across continents. Heads of state, clergy, and ordinary faithful gathered not only to grieve but to celebrate a legacy that will reverberate for generations.

His funeral Mass, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to be attended by hundreds of thousands, with millions more watching via global broadcast. A military escort and honor guard will accompany the coffin as it is carried to its final resting place in the Vatican Grottoes beneath the Basilica.

As the Church begins to prepare for the conclave that will elect the next pope, many are already reflecting on the benchmarks Pope Francis set.

His papacy marked a return to Gospel simplicity and a focus on human dignity, traits that will surely influence the criteria by which his successor is chosen.

There is a strong expectation that the next pontiff will be one who can continue the work Francis began: reforming church bureaucracy, fostering global unity, and strengthening the Church’s moral voice in a fractured world.

Though his time as pope has come to an end, the impact of Pope Francis is indelible. He leaves behind a Church both challenged and changed—more aware of its flaws, more open to dialogue, and more committed to walking alongside those who suffer. His teachings and personal witness have inspired not only Catholics but countless people of goodwill, regardless of creed.

In his final public address, given just weeks before his death, Pope Francis reminded the faithful, “We are not called to be conquerors, but caretakers; not masters, but servants.”

These words, now etched into the annals of his legacy, encapsulate the core of his vision. His death is not merely a loss to the Catholic community—it is a global moment of reckoning, inviting each of us to ask: How shall we live in a world without Pope Francis?

The answer may lie in how we choose to honor his memory. Whether through acts of charity, environmental stewardship, or the simple gesture of kindness to a stranger, each of us holds the power to continue the work he began. As the Church prepares to bury its shepherd, the world remains deeply moved by the example he set.

As the bells of St. Peter’s toll this Saturday, echoing through the Eternal City and beyond, the faithful will gather to say farewell. But in hearts and history, Pope Francis will remain—a voice for the voiceless, a prophet of compassion, and a light in our time.