From Buenos Aires To The Vatican: Pope Francis Dies At 88
By Jess Donohue
On the morning of Easter Monday, Catholics worldwide mourned Pope Francis’s passing, a pontiff remembered for a reputation of kindness, humility, and profound impact on the Church. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across global Catholic communities, with many offering prayers for the repose of his soul, while tributes from world leaders highlight his influence far beyond the Vatican.
A Life Before the Papacy
Before becoming Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936 to Italian parents and led a life full of simplicity and service. He graduated as a chemical technician before entering the seminary and later becoming a Jesuit priest. He joined the Jesuits in March 1958 and went on to study philosophy and theology in Chile and Argentina.
Throughout the 1960s, he taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé and at Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and earned a degree in theology from the Colegio of San José the following year. Then, in 1973, he made his final vows and became Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina—a huge role to take on at such a young age.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to take on more leadership within the Church and, in 1997, was named Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He became Archbishop the following February [1].
It was during his time as Archbishop when Bergoglio became known for his simple lifestyle and humble personality. He would have none of the perks that came alongside the role of Archbishop; he refused to live in the archbishop’s palace, instead, he lived in a modest apartment. He chose to take buses and the subway instead of being transported by chauffeurs in high-end European vehicles [2]. He dedicated time to visit parishes to meet people from all walks of life, especially those from the city’s poorest areas.
Bergoglio worked closely with the curas villeros priests, who dedicated their lives to serving the poorest areas of Buenos Aires, known as the villas miserias. He did everything in his power to help and encourage these priests. Often, he would visit these neighbourhoods, interacting with the people as if he were one of them, speaking to them about their struggles, sharing tea, and simply being present [3]. His commitment to those who are often overlooked in society really shaped the way he cared for others, highlighting his vision for a Church that is about being there for people, no matter their background. This long standing focus on social justice was evident even before he became Pope. To Pope Francis, true justice in society could only be possible when each person’s dignity was recognised and put first. As he once said: ‘God asks us believers to be God’s people, not God’s elite.’ Because those who go the way of ‘God’s elite’ end up in the so-called elitist clericalisms that work for the people, but do nothing with the people, do not feel like a people.’ [4]
The Papacy of Francis (2013–2025)
Similar to his days as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he continued to live a humble lifestyle. Pope Francis chose to live in the Vatican guest house, Santa Marta, instead of the Apostolic Palace, symbolising his commitment to humility and a simple lifestyle [5].
Throughout his papacy, the pontiff made efforts to connect with those who had not always been the focus of the Church’s attention, including atheists, those of LGBT backgrounds and refugees, with an inclusive and compassionate approach, aiming to make the Church a place of welcome for all. In 2013, he said to a group of reporters, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?” [6].
Some significant documents and teachings of the Pope include Evangelii Gaudium, which emphasises the importance of joy in sharing the Gospel [7]. The social encyclical Fratelli Tutti establishes Pope Francis’ belief that fraternity and social friendship were essential for a fairer world, firmly rejecting war and indifference [8]. Amoris Laetitia is Pope Francis’s letter about love in family life, encouraging the Church to support families with compassion and understanding. Laudato Si’ is a 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis, calling on everyone to care for the environment, each other, and our shared home, Earth [9].
In August 2018, Pope Francis visited Ireland for two days for the World Meeting of Families, marking the first papal visit to Ireland in nearly 40 years. His visit was filled with compassion, and he did not shy away from addressing the hurt caused by some of the Church’s past mistakes. During an open Mass at Phoenix Park in Dublin, he asked for “forgiveness for the abuses in Ireland” and for “pardon for all the abuses committed in various types of institutions” [10]. The visit wasn’t just about ceremonies—it was about connection. Although Pope Francis did not visit Northern Ireland, his words of compassion and healing were felt by Catholics across the entire island. Moments like his quiet, personal prayer at Knock [11], the connection and joy he shared with the crowds, and his acknowledgement of the Church’s missteps showed a Pope leading a church with aims of reconciliation and mercy.
Papal legacy – a 21st-century Pope
Pope Francis leaves behind a repuation of compassion, humility, and reform, striving to shape a Church that aligns with the 21st century. His focus on mercy and social justice, and outreach to marginalised communities, furthered a welcoming image to the Catholic Church. As Catholics look to the future, many hope the next Pope will continue these efforts, prioritising unity, social justice, and environmental protection.
Pope Francis had once said, “Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God.” [12] Although the Pope has passed away, his teachings on faith, mercy, and love will continue to influence the Church and its followers.
References
[1] Vatican (2013). “Biography of the Holy Father Francis”. Vatican, Dicastero per la Comunicazione. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/biography/documents/papa-francesco-biografia-bergoglio.html
[3] George, J.K., (2025). “Pope Francis will be remembered as ‘Slum Pope’ of the people”. The Week India, 21 Apr 2025. https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2025/03/01/pope-francis-will-be-remembered-as-slum-pope-of-the-people.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[4] Arrocho Esteves, J., (2020). “Social justice must be founded on care for others, pope tells judges”. Franciscan Media, 2 Dec 2020. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/news-commentary/social-justice-must-be-founded-on-care-for-others-pope-tells-judges/
[5] Natanson, P., (2025). “Analysis: Pope Francis’ legacy marked by reform efforts and outreach to ‘marginalized’ people”. ABC News, 21 Apr 2025. https://abcnews.go.com/International/analysis-pope-francis-legacy-marked-reform-efforts-outreach/story?id=107896783
[6] BBC News (2013). “Pope Francis: Who am I to judge gay people?”. BBC News, 29 Jul 2013. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23489702
[7] Cotter, K., (2017). “A Focus on Evangeli Gaudium”. Focus Equip, 13 Aug 2017. https://focusequip.org/a-summary-of-evangelii-gaudium-joy-of-the-gospel-pope-francis-first-apostolic-exhortation/
[8] Piro, I., (2020). ““Fratelli tutti”: short summary of Pope Francis’s Social Encyclical”. Vatican News, 4 Oct 2020. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-10/fratelli-tutti-pope-fraternity-social-friendship-short-summary.html
[9] Rice, C., (2022). “Best Laudato Si’ summary”. Laudato Si Movement, 5 May 2022. https://laudatosimovement.org/news/whats-the-best-2-page-summary-youve-seen-of-laudato-si/
[10] Aodha, G.N., (2025). “Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland ‘powerful moment’ for abuse survivors”. The Independent, 21 Apr 2025. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pope-francis-dublin-ireland-death-b2736607.html
[11] Knock Shrine, (2025). “Pope Francis”, Knock Shrine. https://www.knockshrine.ie/notable-visitors-to-knock-shrine/#:~:text=Pope%20Francis,-During%20the%20World&text=Silence%20descended%20on%20the%20large,by%20the%20Knock%20Apparition%20Witnesses.
[12] Xavier University, (2025). “Pope Francis on Hope”. Jesuit Reource, Xavier University. https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/quote-archive1/pope-francis#:~:text=%22Although%20the%20life%20of%20a,us%20to%20move%20beyond%20fear.
