Farewell to Pope Francis: A Global Voice for Peace and Justice

Monday 21 April 2025 - 11:35

By: Zahouani Ilham

Farewell to Pope Francis: A Global Voice for Peace and Justice

Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88 in the Vatican, marking the end of a papacy defined by compassion, reform, and global outreach. Known for his popularity among believers and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, he faced significant resistance from within its ranks.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, confirmed the Pope's passing at 7:35 a.m. local time. “This morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His life was entirely devoted to serving the Lord and His Church,” stated a Vatican announcement.

The Argentinian pontiff had been discharged from the hospital on March 23 after a 38-day stay due to bilateral pneumonia—his longest hospitalization since becoming Pope in 2013. Despite serious health challenges including hip and knee pain, multiple surgeries, and respiratory issues, Pope Francis maintained a demanding schedule, often against medical advice.

On Easter Sunday, he appeared visibly frail and had to delegate his speech to an aide, though he greeted thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square with his usual warmth.

As dictated by Church tradition, a nine-day mourning period will be observed, followed by a conclave in 15 to 20 days where cardinals—most appointed by Francis—will elect a new pope. In the interim, Cardinal Farrell will serve as acting head of the Church.

Pope Francis had expressed a wish to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in central Rome, a departure from the centuries-old tradition of interment at St. Peter’s Basilica. A simplified funeral rite published by the Vatican in November includes burial in a wooden and zinc coffin, replacing the historic triple casket system.

The first Jesuit and South American pope, Francis championed the rights of migrants, environmental protection, and social justice. He upheld Church teachings on controversial issues like abortion and priestly celibacy, but his health struggles fueled speculation about a potential resignation, echoing the precedent set by Pope Benedict XVI.

Throughout his tenure, he faced several health setbacks, including major abdominal surgery and partial removal of his right lung in his youth due to acute pleurisy.

Despite his declining health, Francis made a historic 12-day journey to Southeast Asia and Oceania in September, the longest of his pontificate. He remained a powerful voice against violence, human trafficking, and economic exploitation, and was outspoken in his condemnation of policies like U.S. migrant expulsions under President Donald Trump.

Though unable to halt conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Francis persistently called for peace. He also sought to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, enhance roles for women and laypeople, and bring transparency to Church finances.

In response to the clergy abuse crisis, he lifted the pontifical secrecy rule and mandated reporting to ecclesiastical authorities, though victim advocacy groups criticized the measures as insufficient.

Francis strongly advocated for interfaith dialogue, particularly with Islam, and envisioned a Church that is open to all, often clashing with conservative factions over issues like blessings for same-sex couples and restrictions on Latin Mass.

He chose to reside in a modest 70-square-meter apartment instead of the Apostolic Palace, a gesture some saw as diminishing the sacredness of his role. Yet he drew massive popular support, greeting crowds every Sunday with warmth and simplicity.

His 2015 encyclical Laudato si' marked a turning point in the Church’s engagement with environmental and economic justice, setting the tone for a papacy that will be remembered for its outreach to the world’s margins.