POPE FRANCIS DIES AT 88, LEAVING A LEGACY OF REFORM AND DIVISION
Pope Francis, the Argentine pontiff who reshaped the Catholic Church with his progressive stances and global outreach, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Monday.
His passing, following weeks of hospitalisation due to a severe lung infection that developed into pneumonia, triggers a period of mourning and sets the stage for a pivotal conclave.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, made history in 2013 as the first non-European pope in over 1,300 years, succeeding the retiring Pope Benedict XVI. His tenure was marked by a departure from traditional papal norms. Francis championed environmentalism, advocated for the marginalised, and fostered a more inclusive church.
Notably, he expressed tolerance towards divorcees, allowed blessings for same-sex couples in certain contexts, and affirmed the possibility of transgender baptism, albeit with caveats.
His papacy, however, was not without controversy. While embracing some liberal shifts, he remained steadfast in his opposition to abortion, describing it as a “moral crisis”.
His health, increasingly fragile in recent years, became a focal point, with multiple hospitalisations for respiratory issues, abdominal surgery, and injuries from falls.
Despite these challenges, he maintained a rigorous schedule, including a 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania in September 2024.
His final weeks were marked by a rapid decline. Hospitalised on February 14th after his last public appearance with the Slovakian Prime Minister, he was unable to attend public events, including his weekly prayer at St Peter’s Square. His medical history, including a past lung removal at age 21, contributed to his vulnerability.
The immediate future of the Catholic Church now hinges on the Conclave, where cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect Francis’s successor.
This process, mandated to begin at least 15 days after his death, will be closely watched by the world.
The cardinals will be tasked with choosing a leader who can navigate the complex legacy of Francis’s papacy, balancing his progressive reforms with the conservative traditions of the Church.
The funeral arrangements, deviating from precedent, will see Francis buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, reflecting his personal devotion to the Marian basilica, according to Global Financial Digest.
The official mourning period will feature his body lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica, allowing millions of faithful to pay their respects.
The Conclave will not only determine the next Pope but also signal the direction of the Catholic Church in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The new pontiff will inherit a church grappling with internal divisions, declining membership in some regions, and the ongoing challenges of addressing historical sexual abuse scandals. The financial implications for the Vatican, with its vast global assets and investments, will also be closely monitored during this transition.
The global community, including political leaders and religious figures, has begun to offer condolences, highlighting Francis’s impact beyond the Catholic Church.
His emphasis on interfaith dialogue and social justice resonated with many, making his death a moment of reflection for people of all faiths. The markets may react to this news due to the Vatican’s significant global financial holdings and the potential for shifts in the church’s policy.