Although this April 21 marked the one year anniversary of Pope Francis’ death, his legacy remains.
Francis’ papacy lasted from 2013-2025, where he served as both the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas. After several months of declining health, Francis passed at age 88 on Easter Monday from a stroke and heart failure.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis became a Jesuit priest before becoming an archbishop and then a cardinal. He was then elected to be pope in the 2013 papal conclave. Francis was known for his simplicity and humility, emphasis on mercy and closeness to the poor. He worked to provide a strong defense of human life and dignity, assured continuity of Catholic doctrine and called Catholics to missionary discipleship, urging them to go to the “peripheries”.
In his work titled Evangelii Gaudium, Francis wrote, “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets…rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and clinging to its own security.”.
Francis’ major documents and teachings included Evangelii Gaudium on evangelization and joy in the Gospel. He also authored Laudato Si’ which emphasized the moral responsibility of stewardship.
As Catholics remember Francis’ life and leadership on this one year anniversary of his death, they are not only invited to honor his legacy, but to carry it forward by remaining faithful to the Church’s teachings, being devoted to the sacraments and bringing the light of Christ to the peripheries.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
