On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis called for peace worldwide, compassion for marginalized people, and to see God in everyone. “All those who put their hope in God place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey.” These inspiring words left the global audience in a reflective silence, stirring hearts across continents. On April 21st, 2025, the world was shocked as they received the news of the Pope’s tragic passing. Just days after delivering his heartfelt Easter message from the Vatican balcony, “Pope Franics died at the age of 88 in his residence due to heart failure” says Vatican News.
Pope Francis was elected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI on March 13th, 2013 at 76 and took the name “Francis” in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Within the next 12 years and 55 days, he served as the 266th pope. He was the first Pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and he became the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. Upon taking office, he immediately sought to reform the Vatican’s financial operations, vowing to address issues of corruption and mismanagement within the Holy See. His efforts to reform the Vatican’s financial structure were also part of a broader agenda to modernize the Church and make it more responsive to the challenges of the contemporary world. His demeanor was often humble and approachable, and he “had an ability to deal with people as they are” says Detroit Catholic. He frequently met with the poor, sick, and underprivileged, and encouraged the Church to be more compassionate and merciful.
As his papacy progressed, Pope Francis became increasingly aware of the challenges of aging and health concerns. Though he maintained a rigorous schedule, his health began to decline, leading to occasional speculation about his future. Despite these concerns, he remained a visible and vocal advocate for issues such as social justice, climate change, and global inequality. By his 12th year, he had undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church, winning the hearts of his followers. After his tragic passing, there was a big question that remained and the world was curious to know. Who will be the next Pope?
Experts say there isn’t a front runner. New York Times says the seven contenders sought to be the next pope are “Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Peter Turkson, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Cardinal Péter Erdő, Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, and Cardinal Mario Grech.” As the conclave prepares to meet, the Catholic world holds its breath as the decision made behind closed doors could bring a new surprising chapter for the Church with no obvious successor. The conclave will begin on May 7th, 2025, and the Church will release a white smoke once a new Pope is picked, unless the cardinals need to vote again, in which case a black smoke will be released.
In the meantime, Pope Francis’s funeral took place on April 26th,2025 with an estimated 250,000 people attending, 140,000 lined up to see the procession, and around 1 million viewers from around the world watching online. “Representatives from at least 126 out of 193 UN member states, along with the Republic of China, Kosovo, Palestine and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, including 61 heads of state, 43 representatives of heads of state and 31 heads of government” attended the funeral, says BBC. World leaders from a wide range of religious, cultural, and political backgrounds paid tribute to Pope Franicis’s enduring messages of mercy, ecological responsibility, and solidarity with the poor.
In an emotionally charged moment during the ceremony, Pope Framcis’s simple wooden casket – consistent with his wishes for humility – was carried into St.Peter’s Basilica the crowd erupted into a final, thunderous applause. Bells tolled across the Vatican and cities worldwide, marking the end of a papacy that had profoundly touched Catholics and non-Catholics alike. As the conclave prepares to choose his successor, the faithful and the world look onward—not in despair, but in the spirit of the very hope Pope Francis so gently urged us to carry.
