Today's Read Contributor Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican announced that a papal conclave will convene on May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that left a profound impact on the global Catholic Church, as well as on broader social, environmental, and political discussions.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope when he was elected to the papacy in 2013. His election was widely seen as a break from traditional papal leadership, as he brought a more humble and inclusive approach to the Church. Known for his focus on social justice, poverty, and interfaith dialogue, Pope Francis worked tirelessly to bring attention to issues of economic inequality, climate change, and the need for greater compassion and inclusion in the Church.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis championed the rights of the marginalized and sought to reform the Vatican’s bureaucratic structures to make them more transparent and responsive to the needs of the global Church. His efforts to modernize the Church’s teachings on various issues, including the treatment of refugees and LGBTQ+ individuals, garnered both praise and criticism, reflecting the complex nature of leading a religious institution with over 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
The upcoming papal conclave is expected to be one of great importance, as the Church faces significant challenges, including internal divisions, the ongoing clergy sexual abuse crisis, and the evolving role of the Church in addressing global issues like poverty and climate change. Speculation about potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis has already begun, with many observers pointing to cardinals from around the world who could continue his legacy of reform and inclusivity, or possibly steer the Church in a different direction.
The conclave, which will take place in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, will involve a secretive process of voting by the College of Cardinals, who are tasked with selecting a new pope. While the process is shrouded in tradition, the election of the next pontiff is seen as a defining moment for the future of the Catholic Church. In the days leading up to the conclave, the Vatican has called on the faithful to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election process, seeking divine wisdom to choose the next leader of the Church.
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Church history. His papacy will be remembered for its focus on humility, its commitment to social justice, and its efforts to modernize the Vatican. The legacy of Pope Francis will continue to shape the direction of the Church, even as the College of Cardinals prepares for the delicate task of electing his successor.
