On Monday, April 21, at 7:35 AM local time in Rome, Italy, Pope Francis passed. Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, lived to 88 and served 12 years. Pope Francis’ cause of death was a stroke that put him in a coma and led to irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. A progressive pope, Francis had strong beliefs on economic inequality, climate change, and even LGBTQ+ issues.
“In a letter in February to American bishops, with whom he had his own complicated relationship over the years, the pope criticized President Trump’s treatment of migrants, claiming that deportations violate the “dignity of many men and women, and of entire families,” reported an article by the New York Times.
Pope Francis did not support many things done in the American churches. Not only did he speak out against what was happening in the US and the treatment of migrants but also about raising awareness to climate change. In addition to this, Francis worked to change the church’s usually conservative image, focusing on inclusivity and social justice.
“Pope Francis was known as a more progressive pope than had previously been selected, and he was also the first pope from Latin America, so he was pretty historic and especially after he came in after Benedict had abdicated,” Social Studies teacher Kelly Booth said.
Earlier on, in the middle of February, Pope Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis, which led to pneumonia in both of his lungs. He fought through this battle and started to get better. The doctors released him from the hospital, and he was able to give his easter day address. The timing of his death adds a deep spiritual significance, as it was the day after Easter.
Students and staff at Highlands also felt the weight of his death.
“I was very surprised at first, I thought it was gonna happen eventually, just not this soon. Especially the day after Easter, a big religious holiday,” Hailey Fritz (9) said.
The passing of Pope Francis has spread throughout Catholic communities across the globe. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26. World Leaders will attend the funeral. Pope Francis was one of a kind and demonstrated great leadership skills, as he was known to be humble and inclusive to all.
