Pope Francis Dies at 88: Legacy of Compassion, Final Easter Appearance, and 'Dilexit Nos' Encyclical
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 a.m. CEST in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae, following complications from a prolonged respiratory illness, including double pneumonia.
Biography of Pope Francis
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. He was ordained as a priest in 1969 and became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Known for his humility and commitment to social justice, he was elected pope on March 13, 2013.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized themes of compassion, environmental stewardship, and outreach to marginalized communities. He authored several influential encyclicals, including Laudato Si’ on environmental care and Fratelli Tutti on fraternity and social friendship.
Final Easter Appearance
This Easter was particularly significant as it marked a rare alignment of the Gregorian and Julian calendars, allowing Christians of various denominations to celebrate Easter on the same day. Pope Francis had long advocated for a unified Easter celebration, viewing it as a step toward greater Christian unity.
‘Dilexit Nos’: The Final Encyclical
In October 2024, Pope Francis released his fourth and final encyclical, Dilexit Nos ("He Loved Us"), focusing on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ. The document addresses modern challenges such as individualism, social disparities, and the impact of technology on human relationships.
He calls for a rediscovery of the "heart" as a means to foster unity, peace, and reconciliation in today’s fragmented world.
Global Tributes and Legacy
News of Pope Francis's passing elicited an outpouring of tributes from global leaders and religious figures. King Charles III, U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were among those who honored his legacy of humility, compassion, and dedication to social justice.
Religious leaders, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Chief Rabbi of European Rabbis, praised his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and Christian unity.
In Italy, the impact of his death was felt deeply, with Serie A football matches postponed as a mark of respect. Clubs like AS Roma and Lazio issued heartfelt tributes, acknowledging his commitment to inclusion and peace.
Funeral Arrangements
Pope Francis had expressed a desire for simplicity in his funeral rites. He will be buried in a simple wooden casket at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, deviating from the traditional burial practices of his predecessors. This choice reflects his lifelong commitment to humility and his devotion to the Salus Populi Romani icon housed in the basilica.
Conclusion
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his teachings and actions continue to inspire a commitment to compassion, unity, and social justice. His final encyclical, Dilexit Nos, serves as a lasting testament to his vision for a world guided by love and empathy.
