Josefine Bagger Sommerlund
Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis left a profound mark on the Catholic Church — and the world. Today, we mourn his passing.
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It has been confirmed today that Argentine Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.
Here, we look back at the most defining moments of his papacy.
1. Stepping Out as Pope – March 13, 2013
After the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope.
He chose the name Francis — inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi — and became the first pope from South America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,000 years.
When he stepped onto the balcony for the first time, he did so in silence, asking the people to pray for him.
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2. A Symbolic Foot Washing – Inclusion and Humility
In a striking break from tradition, on Holy Thursday 2013, Pope Francis washed the feet of young inmates at a Roman juvenile detention center — including women and Muslims.
It was a powerful act of humility and inclusiveness.
3. Laudato Si’: The Environment and Responsibility
In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis called for urgent global action against climate change and the protection of “our common home.” It was the first time a pope issued such a direct and extensive document on environmental issues.
4. Dialogue with Muslims and Other Faiths
In 2019, he co-signed the historic “Document on Human Fraternity” in Abu Dhabi with Sunni Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb.
The document was a groundbreaking call for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
5. Refugees and Compassion on Lesbos
Pope Francis traveled to the Greek island of Lesbos to show solidarity with refugees. He met with both children and adults and personally brought 12 Muslim refugees back with him to the Vatican.
The gesture became a symbol of compassion and action.
6. Message of Peace During the War in Ukraine
Throughout the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis consistently spoke out against the violence.
In March 2022, he declared that there is no such thing as a “just war,” called for an “immediate ceasefire,” and condemned the invasion as an unjust act of aggression.
7. Opening Doors to LGBTQ+ People in the Church
While upholding Church doctrine, Pope Francis repeatedly expressed a more inclusive attitude.
His famous 2013 quote — “Who am I to judge?” — became a milestone moment in changing the tone toward gay Catholics.
8. Appointing Cardinals from the Global South
During his papacy, Pope Francis appointed cardinals from countries like Myanmar, Sudan, Tonga, and Madagascar — places that had never before had a cardinal.
It reflected his vision of a more global, diverse, and inclusive Church.
9. Financial Reform and Fighting Corruption
Pope Francis pushed for greater transparency in Vatican finances, long criticized for secrecy and scandal.
He created a new Secretariat for the Economy, tightened financial rules, and investigated suspicious investments — including a major real estate deal in London that led to an unprecedented trial of a cardinal.
10. Giving Women a Voice in the Church
In 2021 and 2023, Pope Francis took historic steps by granting women voting rights in bishops’ synods and officially allowing them to serve as lectors and altar servers during Mass.
Though he did not open the priesthood to women, it marked a significant break from centuries of tradition and a move toward greater gender equality in the Church.
