POPE Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, a day after celebrating Easter Sunday.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio popularly known as Pope Francis became Pope in 2013 and became the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to be elected.
When he became Pope, he chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian saint known for his deep humility, love for the poor and simple way of life.
That choice set the tone for his entire papacy as Pope Francis rejected many of the privileges of the office.
He chose to live in a modest guesthouse instead of the grand Apostolic Palace and often rode in a simple car instead of the traditional Popemobile.
He spent much of his time speaking out for the poor, the sick and the forgotten and worked to bring reforms to the Catholic Church, even as he faced criticism from more conservative members.
Despite pushback from traditionalists, Pope Francis remained widely admired for his approachable demeanor and progressive tone.
The Pope had battled health issues for much of his life as he underwent lung surgery in his early twenties and in recent years, struggled with recurring respiratory illnesses.
He was hospitalised on February 14 this year with bronchitis and later developed bilateral pneumonia.
After 38 days of treatment, he returned home to Casa Santa Marta where he spent his final days.
His funeral was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 hours in St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope’s body was taken to St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday morning, 24 April, where it lay in state.
The procession started at 9:00 AM with prayers at the Santa Marta residence, where Pope Francis lived during his time as Pope.
His coffin was then carried through the Vatican grounds and into the basilica.
The public was be able to go and pay their final respects to the fallen Catholic leader on a Friday.
On Saturday, April 26, a special Mass was held, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re together with many other Church leaders from around the world.
The Pontiff was buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a church he loved and visited often to pray before and after his trips.
His burial costs were covered by money the Pope arranged to be given to the church through a person whose name had not been made public.
He gave the instructions to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, who oversees the basilica.
On April 8, a new Pope Leo XIV was elected after four voting times.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 31, 2025
