Pope Francis: The man who kept the Catholic Church afloat with compassion while swimming in controversy

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His death marks the end of a transformative era in the Catholic Church.

The first Jesuit and Latin American pope, Francis, was known for his compassionate leadership, progressive stance on controversial issues, and unwavering commitment to social justice, particularly for the poor and marginalised.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, he emerged as a reformist figure who sought to challenge the traditional structures of the Vatican, earning both admirers and enemies along the way.

How Jorge Bergoglio became Pope Francis

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Mario and Regina Bergoglio, both of Italian descent, his early life was shaped by his Catholic faith and a deep sense of duty toward social justice. His family had a rich immigrant history; his paternal grandparents had survived a harrowing escape from a sinking ship en route to Argentina, a story that would become a cornerstone of Bergoglio’s narrative.

A bookish child, Jorge was deeply influenced by his grandmother, Rosa, who instilled in him a passion for Catholic teachings and social activism. His formative years were spent in the Flores neighbourhood, where he was raised in a family that valued both Catholicism and cultural assimilation.

Bergoglio’s path to the priesthood came after an encounter at the Basilica of St. Joseph at the age of 16, an experience he later described as a divine calling. His decision was met with resistance from his mother, who had hoped he would pursue a career in medicine instead.

Yet, Jorge’s determination led him to the Salesian priests, who helped him develop a deep sense of compassion for the poor and marginalised. He soon entered the seminary, and by 1969, he had taken his vows as a Jesuit priest.

Before his election to the papacy, Bergoglio had made a name for himself as an effective and compassionate leader in Argentina.

As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he became known for his down-to-earth style, his focus on poverty, and his tireless advocacy for social justice. Despite his prominence, Bergoglio’s humility and closeness to the people stood out. His popularity with the poor and his humble lifestyle would later become hallmarks of his papacy.

A Papacy led by compassion

In 2013, after the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Francis, in homage to St. Francis of Assisi, the pope immediately signalled a shift in tone for the Church.

The decision to adopt the name of a saint known for his devotion to poverty and humility reflected Francis’s commitment to social justice and his desire to see the Church act as a servant to the poor, rather than an institution that perpetuated wealth and power.

From the outset, Pope Francis was a figure of change. His papacy marked a deliberate departure from the conservatism of his predecessors. In his first public mass as Pope, he called for a Church that was more humble and focused on outreach to the marginalised.

Over the years, his papacy would be characterised by a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency within the Vatican, addressing the clergy sex abuse scandal, and advocating for social and environmental causes.

Francis quickly became known for his outspoken support of refugees and migrants, urging world leaders to treat them with dignity. His 2015 visit to the Greek island of Lesbos, where he met with refugees, cemented his reputation as a champion for the displaced.

He made it clear that the migration crisis was not just a political issue, but a moral one. His call for compassion stood in stark contrast to the rise of nationalist movements across Europe and the U.S., which were increasingly hostile to immigrants.

Similarly, Pope Francis’ commitment to environmental issues, especially climate change, was unwavering. In 2015, he released Laudato Si’, an encyclical that called for urgent action on environmental degradation and the need for global cooperation to protect the Earth.

The document was a landmark moment in papal history, as it not only tackled the environmental crisis but also challenged the world’s economic systems, which he deemed exploitative and unsustainable.

The sea of controversy

While Pope Francis was beloved by many for his progressive stance on issues such as poverty, climate change, and migration, his papacy was also marked by frequent conflict with more traditional factions within the Church.

His open stance on the role of women in the Church, his openness to discussions around married clergy, and his more inclusive attitude toward LGBTQ+ Catholics drew fierce criticism from conservative elements within the Church.

The pope’s decision to restrict the use of the traditional Latin Mass, which had been beloved by many traditionalists, led to heated debates and further alienation of the Church’s right-wing factions.

In addition to these internal battles, Pope Francis’s approach to clerical sex abuse was both lauded and criticised. He took significant steps to hold abusers accountable and sought to introduce greater transparency in the Vatican’s handling of such cases. However, his critics argued that the reforms did not go far enough in addressing the systemic issues that allowed abuse to persist for decades.

Pope Francis’ diplomacy also led to some difficult decisions. He was often willing to engage with controversial figures and regimes in pursuit of peace and dialogue. His engagement with the Chinese government, which included a 2018 deal over the appointment of bishops, was one such example.

While the agreement secured some concessions for the Vatican, it was criticised for its perceived compromises with an authoritarian regime that had long persecuted Catholics.

As Pope Francis entered his later years, his health began to decline. Persistent knee problems, followed by respiratory issues and the effects of a surgery, saw him relying on a cane and, eventually, a wheelchair. Despite his physical challenges, Francis continued to travel and speak out on behalf of the marginalised, especially during his trips to Africa and his work on interfaith dialogue.

In his final years, Pope Francis made efforts to address the deepening divisions within the Church. He attempted to balance the demands of progressive Catholics with those of traditionalists, though it became clear that the tension between the two camps was unlikely to resolve during his papacy.

His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he blessed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. It was a poignant moment, a reminder of the pope’s resilience and his commitment to his mission, even as his health deteriorated.

A Legacy of Mercy and Reform

Pope Francis’ papacy was defined by his unwavering commitment to mercy, compassion, and reform. He sought to break down the barriers that had long separated the Church from the world’s most vulnerable. His efforts to reform the Vatican’s finances, address abuse, and create a more inclusive Church will be remembered as some of the most significant changes of his time.

At the same time, his papacy was marked by contradictions. His calls for mercy often clashed with the Church’s deep-seated conservatism, and his efforts to engage with the wider world sometimes put him at odds with both political and religious leaders. Yet, despite the challenges, Pope Francis’ impact on the Catholic Church and the world cannot be overstated.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s journey from the streets of Buenos Aires to the Vatican’s highest office was nothing short of remarkable. His papacy was a bold attempt to steer the Catholic Church into the modern world while staying true to its foundational principles of service, humility, and compassion.

His death signals the end of an era for the Catholic Church, one that will likely be remembered for its complexity, its challenges, and above all, its commitment to mercy and reform.

Pope Francis is survived by his sister, María Elena Bergoglio, and leaves behind a legacy that will shape the Church for years to come.