Pope Francis dies at 88, leaving a controversial legacy
- Pope Francis passed away in April 2025 at the age of 88, marking the end of his influential papacy.
- His leadership was characterized by efforts to reform the Church, promote inclusivity, and address key societal issues.
- His death initiates a critical process for choosing a successor who will shape the Church's future amid ongoing polarization.
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church leader known for his humble approach and progressive reforms, passed away at the age of 88. His tenure began in 2013 following the resignation of his conservative predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, amidst significant controversies, including child sex abuse scandals that plagued the Church. Francis sought to decentralize the church and address its opulence, focusing on creating a Church that aligns with the needs of the poor, while also expressing solidarity with marginalized communities. Francis's papacy was both lauded and criticized; he engaged a younger audience while encountering pushback from conservatives within the Church. He navigated delicate issues related to abortion, LGBTQ rights, and capital punishment, with critics arguing that he did not go far enough in addressing pivotal issues, particularly when it came to the clerical abuse crisis. As a pontiff, he aimed to modernize challenges within the Catholic faith but often found resistance due to existing traditionalist beliefs that have strong footholds in various global regions, especially Africa and the United States. Following his death, the selection of a new pope will involve significant deliberation among cardinals, particularly focusing on how to address the polarizing nature of the Church as influenced by Francis's reformative legacy. The conclave will likely consider candidates who reflect the shifting demographics within the Church, especially with an eye on Africa where many of the faithful reside. The next leader will face immense challenges in balancing progressive reforms with the traditional values held by many devoted members worldwide, further complicated by financial stresses facing the Vatican. As the Catholic Church transitions to a new leader, the impact of Francis's policies, as well as his demeanor, will resonate with ongoing discussions regarding the Church’s direction. His death marks not just the end of an era but also the beginning of potential new pathways that may redefine the faith’s approach to societal issues, governance, and interfaith dialogues.