The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who died at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that reshaped the Church’s approach to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and global inequality.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Church. His humble demeanor, emphasis on mercy, and willingness to challenge traditional norms made him one of the most influential religious leaders of the 21st century.

From the moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013, Pope Francis signaled a new era for the Catholic Church. Choosing the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, he embodied a commitment to simplicity and service.

His early gestures—eschewing the papal palace for a modest residence, washing the feet of prisoners, and embracing the poor—set the tone for a papacy defined by compassion.

He frequently criticized the excesses of capitalism, the mistreatment of migrants, and the destruction of the environment, earning both admiration and controversy.

His leadership was marked by a relentless push for reform within the Vatican. He tackled financial corruption, streamlined the Church’s bureaucracy, and sought greater transparency in its operations.

His efforts were not without resistance; traditionalists often clashed with his progressive stances on issues like climate change, poverty, and the role of women in the Church. Yet, his ability to connect with ordinary people—through his warmth, humor, and direct language—made him a beloved figure far beyond Catholic circles.

Pope Francis was also a bridge-builder between faiths. He met with Muslim leaders, Orthodox Christians, and even atheists, emphasizing shared values over doctrinal differences.

His historic 2016 meeting with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill was the first of its kind in nearly a thousand years. He also issued groundbreaking apologies for the Church’s historical wrongs, including its role in colonialism and the abuse scandals that have plagued Catholicism for decades.

His encyclicals, particularly Laudato Si’ (2015) and Fratelli Tutti (2020), became global manifestos for ecological and social justice. Laudato Si’ called for urgent action against climate change, framing environmental destruction as a moral crisis.

Fratelli Tutti advocated for universal brotherhood, condemning nationalism, racism, and economic exploitation. These documents influenced not just Catholics but policymakers, activists, and leaders worldwide.

Despite his progressive image, Pope Francis remained doctrinally conservative on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and priestly celibacy. However, his pastoral approach—urging compassion over condemnation—shifted the tone of Catholic discourse.

He famously responded, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests, signaling a more inclusive attitude. His synods on family and youth sought to listen rather than dictate, though they often revealed deep divisions within the Church.

His health had been declining in recent years, with frequent hospital visits for respiratory and knee problems. Yet, he continued to travel, meeting refugees, war victims, and marginalized communities.

His final years were marked by efforts to address clerical sexual abuse, though critics argued he did not go far enough. Still, his establishment of new accountability measures represented a step forward in an ongoing crisis.

News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary believers. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres praised his “unwavering commitment to peace and human dignity.”

U.S. President Joe Biden, the second Catholic president in American history, called him “a moral compass for the world.” Even those outside the faith acknowledged his impact, with leaders from Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim communities expressing condolences.

The Vatican has announced a nine-day mourning period, culminating in a funeral expected to draw millions. The process of electing a new pope will begin with a conclave of cardinals, who will gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose his successor.

The next pontiff will inherit a Church at a crossroads—balancing tradition with reform, unity with diversity, and spiritual authority with the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Pope Francis’s legacy is complex but undeniable. He challenged the powerful, comforted the suffering, and redefined what it means to be a global religious leader in the modern age.

His death leaves a void not just in the Vatican but in the hearts of those who saw him as a voice for the voiceless. As the world reflects on his life, one thing is clear: his message of mercy, humility, and justice will endure long after his passing.