Pope Francis, the first non-European leader of the Catholic Church in over a millennium, died at age 88 on April 19, 2025. Born Jorge Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Latin American and Jesuit pope.
His ascension marked several firsts, including his choice to adopt the name “Francis,” in tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi. Known for his humility and compassion for marginalized groups, Pope Francis redefined the papacy, breaking with several centuries of tradition.
Pope Francis’ approach to leadership: A simpler papacy
From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis symbolized a break from tradition. He chose not to reside in the Apostolic Palace, instead living in the Vatican guesthouse.
He also took public transportation and personally settled his bills, embracing simplicity over luxury. His wardrobe choices were modest, favoring plain black shoes and a white cassock.
The pope also broke tradition by washing the feet of young inmates, including women and Muslims, during Holy Week. This humility resonated with both Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide.
Pope Francis’ stance on war and capitalism
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis condemned war as a failure of humanity, advocating for peace and dialogue as solutions to conflict.
He made headlines in 2021 for his remarks on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging both sides to ceasefire and work towards peace.
In addition, Pope Francis was an outspoken critic of unregulated capitalism, which he believed contributed to inequality and environmental degradation. He often emphasized the need for an economy that served the common good, caring for the poor and the environment.
