Pope Francis Passes Away on Easter Monday
Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88 in his Vatican residence after enduring several months of health struggles.
Pope Francis is recognized for his emphasis on compassion and humility. He approached leadership with an open-minded attitude, focusing on contemporary issues such as caring for the poor, addressing climate change, and harnessing a mutual understanding among different religions. Due to his dedication and attention to social issues, movements that were often overlooked by previous popes have been brought to life.
Pope Francis lived a modest life, opting for a humble guest house in the Vatican rather than the traditional papal palace. He was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope in history, symbolizing change and adaptability within the Church.
The news of his death has deeply affected people around the world, having millions mourning his loss. Visitors will be welcomed at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects before his funeral, which the Vatican has announced will be simple and spiritual, reflecting his way of life.
With the pope’s death, the church is now entering a period of transition. The College of Cardinals will soon gather to elect a new pope. This decision will shape the future of the Church and determine whether it continues to address modern issues alongside faith or adopts a more traditional approach.
The effects can be seen even closer to home, though. Students at MLEC have expressed their feelings over the pope’s death, with many having differing reactions to the sudden, shocking news.
“He was someone I looked up to—not just as a religious leader, but as a person who really tried to live out the values of compassion, humility, and justice. At the same time, I didn’t know him personally, so it wasn’t an overwhelming emotional loss. But his passing definitely made me pause and think about the impact he had, and what kind of leader might come next for the Church,” said freshman Hillary Alarcon.
Some, though not privy to the pope’s impact originally, have learned more about the life he led through online platforms. They express their condolences for those more deeply impacted and help honor and highlight the pope’s achievements.
“I learned about the pope’s death early this morning where my friends and the social media informed me about it. I believe the pope has to have significance, I recently learned on the news the impact he had on many families and people he helped involving people in poverty inclusion on certain groups that were looked down upon,” said sophomore Jorge Sasiga.
Pope Francis will be remembered for his dedication to peace, mercy, and humility for all people. His legacy has shaped the Church and will continue to work as a source of inspiration for many years to come. Even after his passing, the path he has created is held strongly in the hearts of many and will forever invoke hope and a deeper care for the world.
