The People's Pope, What Pope Francis Taught Us About Humanity, Hope, and Healing
- ajoyce140
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
He was the Pope who rode the bus, carried his own bag, and washed the feet of prisoners. Now, the world grieves a man who walked humbly, spoke boldly, and lived simply.
A Life of Humility and Service
When the white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel in 2013, signaling “Habemus Papam!” We have a Pope, the world welcomed a new leader. Now, with heavy hearts, we say goodbye to that same leader: Pope Francis, a humble man from Argentina who reshaped the world’s conscience.
Early Years, From Buenos Aires to Basilica
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis grew up in a middle-class family of Italian Catholics.
His father, Mario José Bergoglio, worked as a railway accountant, and his mother, Regina María Sívori, was a homemaker. He was the eldest of five children. As a young child, he was always intrigued by the church. He found himself drawn to the beautiful Basilica of San José de Flores near where he lived. The pope has commented that he had a very normal childhood, in which he enjoyed playing soccer and even dancing the tango!
Inspiration to Pursue a Spiritual Path
At 21, a life-threatening illness changed everything. High fevers raged for days before doctors diagnosed a severe lung infection. The infection required the removal of part of one lung, a challenging experience that taught him how precious life was and what mattered in life.
In 1958, he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), where he would live a life dedicated to serving others. Just over a decade later, on December 13, 1969, he was ordained as a priest, and in 1973, he became the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina.
Walking the Talk
Bergoglio's humility defined him as he rose within the ranks of the Church. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and was named Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. Known for his austere lifestyle, he took public transportation, lived in a modest apartment, and cooked his own meals, all while preaching a “Church for the poor.”
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” - Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”), Apostolic Exhortation, 2013
A Pope Like No Other
In 2013, Pope Francis made history, becoming the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from the Americas, and the first Pope from the Southern Hemisphere. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing humility, care for the poor, and concern for the environment.
A Pope for the Poor — and the Planet
Pope Francis will be remembered not for luxury, but for service. His papacy focused on mercy and inclusion. He frequently advocated for the voiceless, whether they were the poor, the displaced, or the marginalized. His 2025 autobiography, Hope, captured his mindset in one line:
“Rivers do not drink their own water. Life is meant to be given.”
He called for climate justice, interfaith dialogue, and protection of refugees and migrants. He emphasized the need for a “poor Church for the poor”, preaching economic justice and calling out global inequality. His Laudato Si' encyclical (2015) was a groundbreaking document urging the world to protect the environment and fight climate change.
A Quiet Goodbye, A Global Grief
Pope Francis passed away peacefully in the Vatican on April 21, 2025, surrounded by close aides and members of the College of Cardinals. He died due to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and cardiocirculatory collapse. Prior to his death, he had been hospitalized for double pneumonia and was under a recovery plan after his release in late March.
The world now looks to his funeral, which will take place on April 26, during the Novemdiales (the nine days of mourning traditionally observed after the death of a Pope).
Controversy During His Life - The Dirty War
As Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina (1973–1979), Bergoglio was thrust into a politically charged environment during Argentina's Dirty War. The Dirty War was a violent campaign carried out by Argentina’s military regime between 1976 and 1983, targeting individuals suspected of being left-wing activists or political opponents. It is believed that between 10,000 and 30,000 people were killed, with many others “disappeared”, forcibly abducted by the government and never heard from again.
Though his role during this period has been scrutinized, he later expressed deep regret for not doing more to protect the persecuted during this dark chapter.
What Happens Now?
With the Sede Vacante (the vacant papal seat) now official, the conclave process begins 15-20 days after the death of the pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. As of April 21, 2025, there are 135 eligible cardinal electors, the majority of whom were appointed by Pope Francis.
The Camerlengo (Vatican official overseeing operations during the interim) will guide the Church until the College of Cardinals convenes to select the next Pope. The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, where cardinals will vote in secrecy until a new pope is elected.
When that moment comes, the world will again see the white smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the announcement: Habemus Papam.
A Life That Lives On
LIFE believes service is the highest form of leadership. Pope Francis embodied that belief with every action, every word, and every choice. His example continues to inspire us to act with empathy, humility, and love in our work to support those less fortunate.
Whether distributing food, building schools, or responding to crises, we carry his message forward: Hope lives in every act of service.
“All it takes is one good person to restore hope.” -Pope Francis.
References
● Vatican. Pope Francis: Biography. Vatican, www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/biography.html.
● "Pope Francis." BBC News, BBC, 13 March 2013, www.bbc.com/news/world-21715156.
● “The Dirty War: A Timeline of Argentina’s Military Dictatorship.” BBC History, BBC, www.bbc.com/history.
● Comisión Nacional sobre la Desaparición de Personas (CONADEP). Nunca Más ("Never Again"). Buenos Aires, 1984.
● "Pope Francis Criticizes Trump's Border Wall Plan." The Guardian, 18 February 2016, www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/18/pope-francis-criticizes-donald-trump-border-wall.
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