After the announcement of his passing on Easter Monday, Vatican News shared a special report about the life and legacy of Pope Francis. He served the Church for twelve years and made a deep impact around the world with his actions, reforms, and words of peace and love. A Pope of many firsts Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first to choose the name Francis. He also lived in a simple Vatican guesthouse instead of the traditional Apostolic Palace and was the first to visit countries like Iraq and the Cen

After the announcement of his passing on Easter Monday, Vatican News shared a special report about the life and legacy of Pope Francis. He served the Church for twelve years and made a deep impact around the world with his actions, reforms, and words of peace and love. A Pope of many firsts Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first to choose the name Francis. He also lived in a simple Vatican guesthouse instead of the traditional Apostolic Palace and was the first to visit countries like Iraq and the Central African Republic. A Shepherd close to the people From the start of his time as Pope in 2013, Francis showed that he wanted to be close to everyone. He visited the sick, the poor, and refugees. He often made surprise visits and personal phone calls to people in need. He celebrated Masses in prisons and refugee camps and always reminded the Church to care for the “least of these.” Important journeys Pope Francis made 47 international trips. He was the first pope to visit Iraq, where he brought hope to people who had suffered from war and terrorism. In 2015, he opened the Holy Door of the Jubilee Year in Bangui, in Africa, instead of in Rome, to show support for the poor and victims of war. In 2024, at age 87, he traveled to Southeast Asia and Oceania on the longest trip of his pontificate. He also played a role in improving U.S.-Cuba relations in 2015 and signed a document on human fraternity with Muslim leader Al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Teachings and writings During his pontificate, Pope Francis wrote encyclicals letters. These included 'Laudato si’', about caring for the environment, and 'Fratelli Tutti', which called for unity and friendship among all people. His last encyclical, 'Dilexit Nos' in 2024, talked about Jesus’ loving heart and its message for today. He also wrote many other documents to guide the Church, especially on helping the poor, family life, and protecting creation. Church reforms Francis made big changes to how the Vatican works. He created a group of cardinals to help govern the Church and reformed the Curia (the Vatican’s government). He also gave women and laypeople more leadership roles in the Church. He took strong action against abuse, removing secrecy and holding bishops accountable. His document 'Vos estis lux mundi' made clear rules to protect children and punish those who fail to act. Inclusion and openness A key message of his time as Pope was that the Church is for “everyone, everyone, everyone.” He welcomed people who felt left out, including the poor, divorced people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. He reminded the Church to show mercy and love, not judgment. He also worked hard for peace around the world. He sent messages, made phone calls, and even visited ambassadors to stop wars. He asked the world to spend less on weapons and more on fighting poverty and hunger. A time of challenges Pope Francis also faced health issues and difficult situations, like scandals and trials. Despite this, he kept working and speaking out. He held over 500 public audiences and created 163 new cardinals. One of the most touching moments was during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. He stood alone in an empty St. Peter’s Square in the rain, praying for the world. This showed his deep care and hope for all people: “We are all in the same boat... called to row together.”

A little more informed. A little more connected.