Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known across the world as Pope Francis, died April 21, 2025 at the age of 88. To many, he was the best pope of all time. But why?
While popes before him were very ceremonial and formal in the way they carried themselves, Francis was more humble and down-to-earth. He was known to wash the feet of the poor, the imprisoned, and the hungry. He did not segregate based on gender, age, race, sexuality, or religion.
He supported many ideas viewed as radical during the time of his papacy, including the absolute abolition of the death penalty, allowing women to vote in general assemblies, working to prevent climate change, and the baptising of LGBTQ+ individuals.
In a meeting of the International Association of Penal Law, Francis suggested making ecocide a fifth category of crimes against world peace.
“Francis was probably the best pope we’ve had ever,” stated senior Landon Wiese. “He didn’t support spiritual abuse like some before him, he did his best to support women’s rights while staying true to Catholic beliefs, and he brought the outdated Catholic Church into the 21st century with the recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals as equally deserving of God’s love.”
Throughout his papacy, Francis was a medium to bring together nations that were long at odds. He helped bring Barack Obama and Cuban ex-First Secretary Raul Castro together and restore diplomatic ties between Cuba and the USA.
He always did what he could to help refugees and berate those that would send them away in their time of need. From Greece, to the United States just weeks ago, Francis did what he could to persuade nativists into helping those that needed it most.
“Pope Francis was key in bringing diplomacy back between the Catholic Church and the Islamic world,” said senior Arush Kachru. “Before him, they were at odds. Despite all the atrocities that have happened in the Middle East, Francis still saw humanity in Islamic society and appealed to it in order to provide a brighter future.”
Francis was an inspirational figure across the world that helped bring the Catholic Church into a somewhat positive light again.
“He will be missed sincerely,” commented Wiese.
