A Light in Our Time

Posted on April 22, 2025

A Light in Our Time: Remembering Pope Francis
by Kiara Cronin '25


On the morning of April 21, 2025, the world lost a shepherd, a teacher, a reformer, and a humble soul with the passing of Pope Francis. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he would go on to make history — not only as the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope — but also as one who profoundly redefined what it meant to lead the Catholic Church in the modern era.

From a working-class upbringing and an early career as a chemical technician, Pope Francis' journey was one marked by suffering and grace. At 21, a severe bout of pneumonia resulted in the removal of part of his lung. Yet even in his youth, there was an inner strength — a resilience forged through pain and humility — that would carry him throughout a life of service.

He entered the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969, eventually becoming Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina. A teacher at heart, he taught literature and psychology while pursuing his own studies in philosophy and theology. His academic mind was always paired with a pastoral heart. In 1992, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and became archbishop in 1998. Cardinal Bergoglio's humility was well known as he chose to live a simple lifestyle in Buenos Aires.

When he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in March 2013 and took the name Francis, the world immediately knew something was different. He named himself after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of the poor, and St. Francis Xavier, a missionary and co-founder of the Jesuits. His papacy was never about grandeur; it was about reaching the margins.

Pope Francis' encyclicals bore his vision:

• Lumen Fidei ("The Light of Faith") reminded us that faith is not blind, but a guiding light.


• Laudato si' ("Praise Be to You") called for an urgent moral response to climate change, describing the Earth as "our common home."


• Fratelli Tutti envisioned a world of fraternity, calling for unity across nations, races, and religions.


• Dilexit Nos ("He Loved Us") explored the boundless love of Christ, both human and divine.

His other writings left no doubt where he stood: against the death penalty, against exclusion, against inequality. He called for a church that welcomed the divorced and remarried, embraced single parents, and showed compassion to the LGBTQ+ community. He insisted that mercy must always outweigh judgment.

Even as age and illness slowed his body, his voice remained clear. In February 2025, he was hospitalized with pneumonia, and though he emerged frail, he delivered one final blessing on Easter Sunday. With the weight of the world in his voice, he prayed for Gaza and Ukraine, decried antisemitism, and reminded us all: "There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others."

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke and cardiocirculatory collapse. But his spirit, like his namesake, will echo through time.

In an interview with Brian Segovia '23, Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh reflected, "Trajo el sabor latino a la iglesia... Es difícil pensar que se fue (He brought the Latin flavor to the Church... It's hard to think that he's gone)," and "Every time when I was — thanks to be God — able to meet with him was a lesson of humility." For Jesuits like Father Thomas Simisky, the thought of a Jesuit pope was once inconceivable, but Pope Francis made it reality. "I know that I am a long way from his holy example of faith, hope and love," said Simisky, "but it is good to have a model to follow. Santo Subito!"

The Church now enters its time of mourning. The novendiali — nine days of reflection — will be followed by a conclave to elect a new pope. Once again, the world will wait for white smoke to rise above the Sistine Chapel. But the imprint Pope Francis leaves will guide those who come after him.

He reminded us that leadership is not about authority, but authenticity. He showed that faith should walk with the poor, the broken, and the forgotten. And in a fractured world, he preached tenderness. May we remember Pope Francis not only as a leader, but as a man who lived his vocation fully, walking humbly with God.

"Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis," Bishop Zarama said. "In asking that his spirit continues to bless the Church and its people."