The Pope is Dead.
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio stood on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013 as the newly elected Pope Francis, the world met a pontiff unlike any before. A Latin American Jesuit with a soft smile and firm convictions, he brought fresh air (and some holy disruption) to a centuries-old institution.
On April 21, 2025, the world bid farewell to the 266th pope. Pope Francis died at the age of 88 following complications from a stroke and heart failure. His death not only marks the end of a transformative papacy but also opens the door to conversations the world wasn’t quite ready to have, especially about leadership, progress and – hear me out – the possibility of a pope from Africa.
Every single time a pope passes on or resigns Africans hold their breath and ask in whispers “could this be the time?”
Tributes are currently pouring in from across the globe, from candlelit vigils in Rome, to choirs in Buenos Aires and silent prayers in African cathedrals. Thousands of content creators have also lined up, ready to stream his funeral service live.
Unlike past papal deaths that were irrelevant to me, something i watched from the sidelines, having recently started attending a catholic church close to my home, i feel the need to write an article reflecting on his remarkable journey, the controversies he braved and what the future might hold for a Church now looking toward its next head.
From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: The Early Life and Rise of Pope Francis
To understand the man, we have to know his journey. Where he was born and how he ended up ascending to one of the highest religious positions in the world.
Born on December 17, 1936, in Flores; a working-class neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the eldest of five children in a family of Italian immigrants. His father worked as a railway accountant and his upbringing was steeped in Catholic values, community service and humble living.
Growing up, everybody has a dream – and long before the white robes and papal ring, young Jorge dreamed of being a chemist, even going ahead to train and work briefly in food chemistry. But it seems fate had holier plans. After a spiritual awakening in his early twenties sparked by a confession that moved him deeply he joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and took vows as a Jesuit, an order known for its discipline, intellect and service to the poor.
In 1969, he was ordained as a priest and began climbing the ecclesiastical ladder with quiet determination. By 1992, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. In 1998, he became the Archbishop. And in 2001, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
However, it wasn’t just his titles that caught attention, but how he lived them. He chose a modest apartment over the archbishop’s palace, took public transport and personally cooked his meals. While others talked about humility, Bergoglio embodied it. His leadership style was described as pastoral, his theology deeply rooted in social justice and compassion.
Then came March 13, 2013.
In the Sistine Chapel, amidst the solemn traditions of the papal conclave, Bergoglio emerged as the unexpected yet deeply symbolic choice. According to Wikipedia, He was the first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order), the first Latin American, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside of Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III. he was also notably the first to take the name “Francis,” after St. Francis of Assisi; signaling a papacy committed to peace, poverty and care for creation.
A Pope of the People: Accomplishments and Reforms That Shaped a Legacy
It became quite clear from the moment he stepped into the papacy, that with Pope Francis it wasn’t going to be business as usual.
His style was Simplicity Over Splendor.
Famously rejecting the lavish papal apartment in favor of a modest guesthouse, he also chose a simple silver ring instead of a gold one. His first papal ride? A used Ford Focus. He clearly was a man intentional about his choices as these weren’t just symbolic choices – they signaled a leader determined to bring the Church closer to the people.
Climate Advocate
In 2015, he released Laudato Si’, an encyclical that urged Catholics and the world at large to care for the environment. This was more than a religious document; it was a global call to action, referenced in climate talks and praised by scientists and activists alike. It was the first time the Church was taking a definitive stand on ecological justice.
Interfaith Dialogue
Pope Francis was a man on a mission, a man intent on leaving a great legacy as witnessed when he made historic visits to places no pope had gone before. From embracing a Grand Imam in Abu Dhabi to visiting mosques and synagogues, he was clearly intent on championing peace and understanding between religions. His 2019 trip to the Arabian Peninsula marked the first ever papal visit there; a grand gesture toward healing centuries-old rifts.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Though the Vatican’s official stance on same-sex marriage remained unchanged, Pope Francis softened the tone. His famous controversial 2013 quote, “Who am I to judge?” in reference to gay priests, brought shockwaves around the world. He supported civil unions and emphasized that LGBTQ+ individuals deserve pastoral care and dignity, a shift in tone that was met with disbelief through the Catholic hierarchy.
Reforming the Vatican
Financial transparency, accountability for abuse scandals and restructuring of key departments were all part of his agenda to deal with internal bureaucracy at the Vatican. It is not easy to try changing an institution that had been running for centuries, but even while encountering setbacks, he brought an era of overdue reform to this institution often seen as resistant to change.
A Papacy Under Pressure: Controversies and Criticisms
Even the most beloved leaders have their critics and Pope Francis was no exception. While his mission to modernize the Church and embrace marginalized voices made him a global favorite, it also made him a target for fierce internal opposition.
Conservative factions within the Catholic Church often viewed Pope Francis as too liberal. To some sections, he was too Progressive for their liking. And openness to discussing issues like civil unions for same-sex couples, communion for divorced and remarried Catholics and the role of women in the Church stirred up theological tensions with Some cardinals even going as far as accusing him of creating confusion and doctrinal ambiguity.
The Amazon Synod and Pagan Accusations
In 2019, the Amazon Synod – a meeting focused on Indigenous rights and environmental protection – sparked uproar when a statue of Pachamama, a revered figure in Indigenous spirituality was included. Critics labeled it “pagan idolatry,” prompting an international debate on syncretism and respect for cultural expression.
The Abuse Scandal Fallout
While Pope Francis took meaningful steps toward addressing the sexual abuse crisis by meeting with victims, establishing accountability procedures and removing disgraced clergy – some argued it wasn’t enough. A few of his early decisions, such as defending a bishop in Chile accused of covering up abuse (whom he later asked to resign), raised questions about consistency in his response.
Vatican Financial Scandals
Despite pushing for transparency, Francis’s papacy wasn’t immune to financial drama. A high-profile 2021 trial involved a cardinal accused of embezzlement and corruption, where, the most senior Catholic Church official ever to stand trial before a Vatican criminal court – Cardinal Angelo Becciu – was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail. This led many to question how deep the rot still ran, even under a reform-minded pope. To his credit though, the pope allowed the trial to proceed publicly, breaking with long-standing Vatican secrecy.
A Papacy Caught in the Middle
Perhaps Francis’s biggest struggle was being caught between worlds: too liberal for Church conservatives, too traditional for secular progressives. Damned if you and damned if you don’t. Yet he often reminded critics: “I am a sinner, but I try to do good.”
Despite the controversies, Pope Francis remained resolutely committed to his vision in creating a Church of mercy, inclusion and humility. He bore criticism with grace, proving that leadership sometimes means walking a lonely road.
The Final Chapter: Pope Francis’s Last Days and the World’s Goodbye
In the final months of his life, Pope Francis’s health visibly declined. For years, he had struggled with knee pain, sciatica and the lingering effects of a 2021 colon surgery. Still, he soldiered on, smiling through pain, speaking softly but powerfully and remaining present even as the weight of age pressed down.
However in early April 2025, his condition deteriorated rapidly. The Vatican confirmed he had suffered a major stroke, followed by acute heart failure. On April 21, 2025, at 6:43 PM Vatican time, Jorge Mario Bergoglio – Pope Francis – drew his final breath at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within Vatican City, surrounded by clergy and aides who had become like family.
Last Words and Final Acts
Though the Vatican has not officially released his final words, insiders say his last public blessing was whispered: “May peace find you where division thrives.” In his final days, he requested prayers for migrants, the environment and unity among believers. A poignant echo of the causes that defined his papacy. As he lived, so did he die.
A World in Mourning
Within minutes of the Vatican announcement, churches around the globe tolled their bells. In Argentina, thousands gathered in Buenos Aires to light candles and sing hymns in the streets. St. Peter’s Square was flooded with mourners, rosaries clutched tightly in grief.
World leaders from the U.S. to Uganda offered tributes. Catholic and non-Catholic alike called him a “bridge builder,” a “voice for the voiceless,” and a “man of the people.” On social media, tributes poured in under hashtags like #GraciasFrancisco and #FarewellHolyFather.
From Nairobi to Accra and Lagos, special Masses were held in his honor. African leaders praised him for his inclusive tone and efforts to spotlight issues affecting the Global South. Candlelit vigils stretched from slums to cathedrals, proving his message had truly reached “the ends of the Earth.”
This is not just the end of a papacy but the closing of a chapter in Catholic history written with courage, compassion and quiet revolution.
Who’s Next? The Papal Race and the Possibility of an African Pope
With the passing of Pope Francis, all eyes now turn to the looming conclave; one of the most secretive, spiritual and politically fascinating processes in the world. Behind the Sistine Chapel doors, cardinals from every continent will cast their votes to elect the next shepherd of the 1.3 billion-strong Catholic Church.
But first, a word you’ll hear a lot: papabile (plural: papabili). It’s an insider Vatican term for someone considered “pope material.” And in 2025, the list is more diverse than ever.
The Frontrunners
1. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
A long-respected voice in Vatican circles, Cardinal Turkson is often described as “Africa’s most papabile.” Known for his intellect, humility and leadership on social justice and climate change, he previously headed the Vatican’s department for Integral Human Development. He has long walked the line between tradition and progress and many believe his time may have come. (Has it though?) I live for the day the world will have an African pope. Wouldn’t that be something? I wonder how religious politics would play out….
2. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
Nicknamed “the Pope Francis of Italy,” Zuppi is deeply pastoral, a champion of peace negotiations and beloved in his home country. If the cardinals seek continuity in tone and philosophy, Zuppi is a strong pick.
3. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Charismatic and globally minded, Tagle is a symbol of Catholicism’s growing center of gravity in Asia. Currently overseeing Evangelization at the Vatican, he combines emotional resonance with theological depth.
4. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)
A powerful orator and theological conservative, Sarah appeals to traditionalist factions within the Church. His election would be historic; not only would he be the first African pope in over 1,500 years, but also potentially divisive due to his strong stances.
Is the Church Ready for an African Pope?
With the Catholic population projected to be over 300 million by 2050 in Africa, many are asking: isn’t it time the papacy reflected that demographic shift?
An African pope would be symbolically monumental. It would break centuries of Eurocentric leadership and acknowledge the Church’s fastest-growing stronghold. The idea is no longer unthinkable. In fact, it’s trending. But at this point all we can do is watch the space.
So I guess the million dollar question is; What Influences the Decision?
It’s not just about charisma. Age, health, theological stance, language skills and global diplomacy all factor in. Behind closed doors, it’s a blend of prayer, politics and whispered strategy. Because as one Vatican watcher famously said: “He who enters the conclave as a pope leaves as a cardinal.”
How a Pope Is Chosen: Smoke, Secrets and Sacred Votes
The death of a pope triggers one of the world’s most mysterious and spiritually charged rituals: The Papal Conclave. Think of it as a divine electoral college, just without cameras, smartphones or campaign speeches.
How does it work?
The Setting: The Sistine Chapel
Cardinals under the age of 80 from across the globe are summoned to Vatican City. The number of eligible electors typically hovers around 120. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, they are sealed off from the world – no media, no phones and zero outside contact. This ensures their decisions are guided by prayer and not politics (well, ideally, but we all know the reality could be far from this).
The Voting Process
Each day, cardinals vote up to four times – twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. The ballots are burned after each round:
- If no one wins, black smoke rises from the chapel chimney.
- If a new pope is elected, white smoke billows and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out in celebration.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope. That’s about 80 cardinals agreeing on one name. Fun fact: the voting papers are counted and then pierced with a needle and threaded together with string, symbolizing unity.
Once a cardinal reaches the threshold, he is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he says yes, he chooses a papal name. Then, the world waits outside. Soon after, the iconic words are proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica:
“Habemus Papam” — We have a Pope.
And just like that, the Catholic Church enters a new chapter.
Papal elections are a blend of divine tradition and human complexity with centuries-old rituals unfolding under Michelangelo’s ceiling. In a world that changes by the second, this is one of the few moments where time seems to stand still.
Rest in peace pope Francis.
