Historic Pontiff Remembered for Reform and Outreach
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, following a prolonged period of declining health.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became pope in 2013 and served for over a decade, during which he was widely recognized for his efforts to reform the Church and promote social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue. He was the first Jesuit and first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years.
Pope Francis’ final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he briefly greeted the faithful from the window of the Apostolic Palace. He had been largely absent from liturgical duties in recent months due to ongoing health complications, including respiratory and mobility issues.
World leaders and religious figures have begun issuing tributes, honoring his legacy as a humble and progressive voice during a transformative era for the Catholic Church. Details regarding the funeral and succession process are expected to be released in the coming days.
Involvement with Hong Kong
Pope Francis, maintained a cautious stance on Hong Kong amid its political turmoil, reflecting the Vatican’s delicate balancing act with China. During the 2019 pro-democracy protests, he refrained from direct commentary, sending a diplomatic telegram to Chief Executive Carrie Lam wishing peace but avoiding mention of the unrest. In 2020, he omitted a planned Angelus address expressing concern for Hong Kong’s freedoms following China’s National Security Law, a decision some linked to the 2018 Vatican-China bishop appointment agreement. In 2022, he voiced concern over the arrest of Cardinal Joseph Zen under the security law and recorded a video message encouraging Hong Kong Catholics to be “good citizens” during a meeting with Bishop Stephen Chow.
His approach drew criticism from figures like Zen and jailed Catholic layman Jimmy Lai, who felt the Vatican prioritized China relations over Hong Kong’s democratic aspirations. Francis met Zen privately in 2023 and engaged with Hong Kong’s Catholic leadership, including Chow, to address local challenges, but avoided public condemnation of Beijing’s actions. His focus remained on pastoral support and fostering dialogue with China, leaving a legacy in Hong Kong marked by restraint and strategic diplomacy.