Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in Vatican City.
His death followed complications from pneumonia, bringing to a close a 12-year papacy marked by global reform, humility, and outspoken advocacy for the poor and marginalized.
A Life of Service
Ordained as a priest in 1969, Bergoglio rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church, serving as Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina and later as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2013, he made history by becoming the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position.
His Kenyan Visit: A Moment of Unity
Pope Francis left a lasting impression on Kenya during his historic visit in November 2015. Thousands gathered at the University of Nairobi grounds for an open-air Mass, where he called for unity, peace, and an end to corruption.
He also visited Kangemi, where he spoke out passionately against injustice, inequality, and exclusion. His humility and willingness to engage with the most vulnerable left a deep mark on the country’s faithful.
Globally, Pope Francis championed the rights of the poor, refugees, and other marginalized communities. He opened Vatican facilities to the homeless and called for humane responses to migration and climate change. In Africa and particularly in Kenya, his messages resonated strongly, especially among youth and grassroots movements.
While his leadership was widely admired, Pope Francis also stirred debate within the Church. He appointed women to key Vatican roles, softened the Church’s tone on LGBTQ+ issues, and emphasized inclusivity. His progressive reforms earned praise but also drew criticism from more conservative elements of the Catholic hierarchy.
The Path Forward: Electing a New Pope
With his death, the Vatican now enters a period known as sede vacante. The College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave at the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor. The process, which is expected to begin within 15 to 20 days, involves secret ballots and requires a two-thirds majority vote.
The Pope will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in a simplified ceremony, in line with his wishes for modesty and pastoral symbolism.
As the Catholic Church looks ahead, Pope Francis’s legacy—marked by compassion, reform, and moral courage—will continue to shape its future. In Kenya, his 2015 visit remains a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope.