Pope Francis Leaves Behind Legacy of Social Justice

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Pope Francis, First Latin American Pope, Dies After Brief Illness, Vatican Announces

By TRH News Desk

New Delhi, April 21, 2025: Pope Francis passed away after a brief spell of illness, announced the Vatican in a video message on Monday. He had recently recovered. His stint as Pope saw Vatican embracing reforms.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents, was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Elected on March 13, 2013, he was notable as the first Pope from the Americas, the first from Latin America, and the first Jesuit Pope, bringing a fresh perspective to the papacy.

Key Contributions and Policies

He was known for emphasizing mercy, social justice, and environmental concerns, notably through his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si” on climate change. His efforts included promoting interfaith dialogue and addressing clergy sexual abuse, though his stance on issues like same-sex blessings sparked debate.

In March 2025, he faced a health crisis with bilateral pneumonia, but by April 2025, he showed improvement, making public appearances like on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, indicating recovery.

Pope Francis’s parents were Italian immigrant Mario and Regina Sivori.

Early Life and Education

Bergoglio initially pursued a career as a chemical technician before feeling a call to the priesthood. He joined the Jesuits in 1958 at age 22, studying humanities in Chile and earning a philosophy degree in 1963 from Colegio de San José, San Miguel.

He completed his theology degree from 1967-1970 at the same institution and underwent further training at the University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain, from 1970-1971.

This diverse educational background shaped his pastoral approach, emphasizing simplicity and outreach.

The Vatican’s official biography notes, “The first Pope of the Americas Jorge Mario Bergoglio hailed from Argentina. The 76-year-old Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires was a prominent figure throughout the continent, yet remained a simple pastor who was deeply loved by his diocese…”

Priestly and Episcopal Career

Ordained a priest on December 13, 1969, by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano, Bergoglio made his final profession with the Jesuits on April 22, 1973. He held various roles within the Jesuits, including novice master, professor, consultor, rector, and Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina from 1973 to 1979.

His episcopal appointments began in 1992 as Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, becoming Coadjutor Archbishop in 1997 and Archbishop in 1998. Created a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001, he participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, showcasing his rising influence.

Papacy: Reforms and Controversies

Since his election, Pope Francis was known for his humble demeanour and progressive stance on social issues while maintaining traditional views on doctrine.

He focused on environmental concerns, releasing “Laudato Si” in 2015, which criticized the “globalization of indifference” and called for action on climate change. His efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and address clergy sexual abuse were notable, with apologies to survivors and reforms within the Church.

However, his papacy faced controversies, particularly with the 2023 document “Fiducia supplicans”, allowing blessings for same-sex couples, which sparked backlash. Wikipedia reports, “Fiducia supplicans sparked considerable controversy among Catholics, including from several conservative commentators, clerical congregations, and high-profile cardinals, bishops, priests, and lay people”.

The BBC noted in a report that “Pope Francis was an outspoken reformer – but his style was also fomented opposition, within the Vatican and beyond.”

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