A Light of Hope: Remembering Pope Francis

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, passed away at 88. For readers new to Christianity, this column explains who he was, what a pope does, why he matters, and how his life inspired millions, even those outside the faith.

What Is a Pope?

In Christianity, the pope is the head of the Catholic Church, which has over 1 billion members worldwide. Catholics believe he follows in the footsteps of Saint Peter, a close friend of Jesus, chosen to lead the Church (Matthew 16:18-19). The pope, often called the Bishop of Rome, is a spiritual guide, like a father to Catholics, helping them live by Jesus’ teachings of love, kindness, and forgiveness.

The pope’s job is to teach Catholic beliefs, make moral decisions, and bring people together. He leads prayers, meets world leaders, and speaks on big issues like peace or poverty. His words can shape how people think, not just Catholics but also those of other faiths or none. The Vatican, a tiny city-state in Rome, is his home and office, where he manages the Church’s work.

Why Is the Pope Important?

For Christians, the pope is a bridge between God and people. He helps them understand faith and stay united. His role is special because Catholics see him as guided by God to lead with wisdom. Beyond religion, the pope’s voice matters globally. When he speaks about climate change or war, leaders and communities listen, making him a figure of hope and moral strength.

Who Was Pope Francis?

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis grew up in a family of Italian immigrants. As a boy, he loved soccer and dancing the tango. He studied chemistry but felt called to serve God. In 1958, he joined the Jesuits, a Catholic group known for teaching and helping others. He became a priest in 1969 and later led the Church in Argentina as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013.

In 2013, at age 76, he was elected pope, the first from South America, the first Jesuit, and the first non-European in over 1,200 years. He chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who loved the poor and nature. Known for humility, he lived in a simple Vatican guesthouse, wore plain clothes, and rode a small car. His warm smile and words like “Pray for me” made him feel like a friend to many.

What Did Pope Francis Do?

Pope Francis had a busy role. He led weekly prayers in St. Peter’s Square, traveled to countries like Iraq and Japan, and wrote letters called encyclicals to guide Catholics. He met leaders of other faiths, like Muslims and Jews, to build peace. He also made tough choices, like fighting corruption in the Vatican’s finances and addressing the Church’s past mistakes, such as harm to Indigenous children in Canada’s schools.

His actions showed his heart:

• Helping the Poor: He called for a “poor Church for the poor.” He washed prisoners’ feet, fed the homeless, and defended migrants, saying welcoming them is like welcoming Jesus.

• Protecting the Earth: His 2015 letter, Laudato Si’, urged action on climate change. He said caring for the planet is a duty, inspiring global environmental talks.

• Building Peace: He visited war-torn places and spoke against violence. His 2019 meeting with a Muslim leader in the UAE promoted friendship between faiths.

• Making the Church Open: He encouraged Catholics to listen to each other through meetings called synods. He tackled issues like family life and youth, making the Church feel welcoming.

• Spreading Mercy: His motto, “by having mercy and by choosing,” showed his belief in God’s love. He said God forgives everyone who follows their heart, even non-believers, and urged kindness over judgment.

His Life’s Impact

Pope Francis’ 12-year leadership changed the Church and the world. For Catholics, he was a guide who made faith feel alive and inclusive. For non-Christians, his work mattered because he tackled problems we all face—poverty, climate change, and division. His apology for the Church’s wrongs, like in Canada, showed courage to face hard truths.

His simple lifestyle inspired everyone. He showed that leadership means serving others, not seeking power. His love for nature and the poor reminded us to care for our shared home and those in need. Even those who don’t believe in God admired his push for fairness and peace.

A Legacy for All

As the Vatican prepares to choose a new pope, Pope Francis’ life reminds us of values anyone can hold: kindness, humility, and hope. For the readers, his story is a call to act with love, whether helping a neighbor or standing for justice. His death marks the end of a chapter, but his light shines on, urging us to build a better world together. (References: Vatican News, BBC, NYT, Al Jazeera, etc.)