Pope Francis dies at 88: A legacy of compassion, controversy and change

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death came after a lengthy illness that included a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia. He passed away at the Domus Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican, following a stroke that led to a coma and heart failure.

Elected in 2013, the Argentine pontiff chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, inspired by a call to serve the poor and pursue peace. Over his 12-year papacy, Francis became known for championing the marginalized, advocating for migrants and the environment and calling for a “Church of the poor, for the poor.”

Public mourning began Wednesday as his body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it lies in an open casket. His funeral took place on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, followed by his burial at St. Mary Major Basilica.

Francis’ papacy was marked by efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and by a complicated legacy on issues like clergy sex abuse and the role of women in the Church. While hailed globally as a compassionate leader, critics point to missed opportunities for deeper institutional reform.

His passing sets into motion the traditional mourning period and upcoming conclave, where cardinals will gather in Rome to elect his successor.

Jocelyn Bilker is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email jpb6798@psu.edu.