Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 08:45am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday International
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died at 88 on April 21, 2025, following a battle with double pneumonia. Elected in 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio's papacy was marked by humility and reform. He chose modest living quarters over traditional papal apartments, emphasizing care for the poor. Facing internal Church scandals and bureaucracy, he aimed to restore order but encountered criticism from both conservatives and progressives. Francis championed interfaith dialogue and supported marginalized groups, including migrants. His tenure overlapped with predecessor Benedict XVI until 2022. By appointing nearly 80% of future papal electors, his influence is poised to shape the Church's direction. His legacy intertwines reform, resistance, and global admiration. (PC: Reuters)
