Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Compassion and Confrontation
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His death followed a prolonged battle with health issues, including double pneumonia .
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Francis was known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and commitment to social justice. He often spoke out on global issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and the plight of migrants and refugees.
A Notable Clash with Donald Trump
One of the most publicized moments of Pope Francis’s papacy was his 2016 critique of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump’s immigration policies. During a flight back from Mexico, the Pope remarked:
“A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the Gospel.”
Trump responded by calling the Pope’s comments “disgraceful” and accused him of being a pawn of the Mexican government .
Continued Advocacy for Migrants
Even in the final months of his life, Pope Francis remained vocal about immigration issues. In a letter dated February 10, 2025, he addressed the U.S. bishops, expressing concern over mass deportations and emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of every human being, regardless of legal status .
Final Days and Tributes
In his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. Despite their differing views on immigration, the meeting was cordial
Following the Pope’s death, global leaders paid tribute to his legacy. King Charles reflected on their final meeting, praising Francis’s compassion and commitment to unity .
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, characterized by a steadfast commitment to social justice and a willingness to confront global leaders on moral grounds.