By Tequila Mockingbird
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/23/25 – It’s never easy to say goodbye to a Pope—especially one as beloved as Pope Francis, the spiritual father of the Catholic Church. I particularly admired him for his warmth, modern outlook, and captivating presence. He brought a sense of renewal to the Church that felt both grounded and inspiring.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He passed away at the age of 88. His papacy began on March 13, 2013, and over the years, he became known not just as a religious leader, but as a global advocate for compassion, justice, and humility.
Though born in Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants who fled Europe at the onset of World War II. Perhaps this personal history is what fueled his lifelong advocacy for immigrants and displaced people. To him, humanity transcended borders—people were people, deserving of dignity, respect, and kindness, no matter where they came from.
Key Aspects of His Papacy:
-
A deep commitment to serving the poor and marginalized.
-
Bold efforts to reform the Vatican and promote transparency.
-
A strong focus on interfaith dialogue and building bridges across religions.
-
Passionate calls for urgent action on climate change and environmental stewardship.
-
Candid acknowledgment of the Church’s past failings, coupled with a vision for a more inclusive future.
-
His humble lifestyle, including his choice to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace.
Pope Francis reminded the world that leadership can come with humility, and that the Church must be a place of love, healing, and acceptance. His legacy will be remembered for generations.
