On April 21 Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church and a spiritual figurehead to more than a billion believers around the world, died at the age of 88.
The Associated Press states that he had a history of respiratory problems and that a severe bout of double pneumonia in February required a 38-day hospital stay.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis was known for his advocacy for the marginalized and his dedication to peace and immigrant rights. In his last Easter message – delivered by a subordinate the day before the Pope’s death – he expressed the need for a cease-fire in Gaza and, according to NBC News, “highlighted the plight of Palestinians living in the enclave and was in regular contact with Gaza’s Christian community.”
Pope Francis regularly spoke of the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ rights and urged the world to use the global pandemic as an opportunity to redress the huge disparity between rich and poor.
These stances ruffled the feathers of the more conservative elements of the Catholic Church but endeared him to others.
His legacy is marred by a number of scandals and allegations. Politico reports that: During the bloody “dirty war” of the junta against its adversaries in the 1970s, Bergoglio – then the leader of Argentina’s powerful Jesuits – was accused of complicit silence when the military abducted dissident clerics who were under his authority. Others, however, claimed he attempted to protect his subordinates…His handling of abuse allegations against top lieutenants raised similar issues. The pontiff was seen as protecting and even elevating close friends accused of serious sexual misconduct.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Former President Joe Biden said, in part:
“He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone.”
Bergoglio was selected as Pope in 2013; his name was chosen in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the 13th Century saint, known for his humility and gentle spirit. The next Pope will be chosen in due course by a conclave of bishops.
Photo by Nicolas Weldingh for Unsplash
