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Pope Francis Dies At 88 – End Of An Era

Pope Francis was the first Pope from Latin America, bringing a unique perspective to his leadership of the global Church. His advocacy for the poor, his environmental activism, and his calls for reform within the Church will be remembered as cornerstones of his papacy.

AP

Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88, His death marks the end of a papacy that redefined the role of the Pope in the modern world, emphasising humility, social justice, and the need for reform within the Catholic Church. 

As per reprots, Francis the Pope died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

His Eminence Cardinal Farrell, announced with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, with these words: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis."

"At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church," he said.

"He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis

to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," he added.

In recent years, Pope Francis faced significant health issues, including chronic knee problems that severely limited his mobility. This condition, which caused him considerable pain, prompted him to make the difficult decision to delegate some of his duties to other Vatican officials. Despite this, he continued to serve the Church with unwavering commitment, attending important ceremonies and performing pastoral duties.

His health further deteriorated with complications from a respiratory illness, eventually leading to his decision to step down. This decision, though unprecedented, was made with the well-being of the Church and its faithful in mind, as Pope Francis acknowledged the physical toll his health had taken on his ability to fulfil the demanding role of the papacy. Yet, until his passing, he remained dedicated to both his spiritual responsibilities and his efforts to reform and guide the Church.

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Pope Francis was the first Pope from Latin America, bringing a unique perspective to his leadership of the global Church. His advocacy for the poor, his environmental activism, and his calls for reform within the Church will be remembered as cornerstones of his papacy. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, but his influence and legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Here라이브 바카라 a look back at his life and legacy –

A Journey from Argentina to the Papacy

Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, into a working-class family of Italian descent, he lived a life marked by simplicity and devotion. He entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1958, and his theological studies, combined with his pastoral experience, shaped him into a man of profound faith and practical wisdom. Before becoming Pope, he served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and was known for his advocacy for the poor and marginalized in Argentina. His humility, personal austerity, and direct engagement with the people won him admiration both within the Church and outside it.

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On March 13, 2013, following the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. He took the papal name “Francis” in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, symbolising his commitment to simplicity, poverty, and care for the environment.

As the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope, his election signalled a break from tradition and a new direction for the Church.

A Papacy Defined by Compassion and Reform

From the outset of his papacy, Pope Francis was a transformative figure. He prioritized a Church that was compassionate, humble and focused on social justice. His efforts to make the Church more inclusive, transparent, and attuned to the needs of the global community were widely recognised.

Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) emphasized the Church's mission to reach out to the poor, calling for a Church that "is poor and for the poor." His focus on poverty was not just theoretical – he actively lived out this commitment, choosing to live in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the papal apartments, and often engaging with the marginalised during his travels.

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One of the hallmarks of his papacy was his deep concern for the environment. In 2015, he issued the groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si', a passionate call for global action to combat climate change and protect the environment. Pope Francis linked the environmental crisis to issues of social inequality, urging governments and individuals to care for the Earth as a shared home. This encyclical was widely praised, especially among those concerned with environmental justice.

Pope Francis also made strides in addressing issues of Church reform. His efforts included addressing corruption in the Vatican, promoting transparency, and encouraging accountability within the Church. He spearheaded reforms in the Vatican라이브 바카라 financial systems, aimed at curbing money laundering and ensuring that funds were used for humanitarian causes rather than wasteful expenditure. In addition, his leadership on the issue of sexual abuse within the clergy was firm and decisive, with the Pope establishing new protocols to protect minors and hold bishops accountable.

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Advocate for Peace and Dialogue

Pope Francis’ papacy was marked by an unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue. He worked tirelessly to bridge divides between different religions, forging closer relationships with Muslims, Jews, and other faith communities. His efforts were instrumental in facilitating the 2014 historic meeting between the leaders of Israel and Palestine, which sought to bring an end to decades of conflict.

In 2014, Pope Francis played a critical role in the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, a momentous development that was seen as a direct result of his personal mediation and outreach.

Despite his many achievements, Pope Francis’ papacy was not without challenges. As a leader of the Catholic Church, he faced opposition from conservative factions within the Vatican, particularly concerning his calls for a more inclusive approach to the Church, his outreach to divorced and remarried Catholics, and his willingness to engage on controversial topics such as LGBTQ+ rights. Nevertheless, his dedication to his vision for the Church never wavered.

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