Pope Francis died: grief and legacy of the family

Pope Francis died: grief and legacy of the family

Vatikanstadt, Italien - Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88. The death of the Pope was reported at 7:35 a.m., as the Vatican announced by cardinal treasurer Kevin Farrell. The announcement of the Vatican emphasizes that Pope Francis had dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and his church. It was particularly emphasized that he acted as a teacher of the gospel values, especially with regard to the poorest and marginalized. The day before, the Pope had granted the blessing Urbi et Orbi, which confirms his lively activity until the end.

On Monday morning, the family of Pope Francis gave a funeral speech. Dr. Carolina Bergoglio, the pope's grand nepper, expressed in a Facebook post that the death of her uncle is a symbolic moment in human history. She described Pope Francis as a spiritual leader who spoke to humility and human perspective, and praised his efforts to work for outcasts. The family wishes that his life is inspired and his death is seen as a new chapter of collective consciousness, as OE24.

a life for service

The Vatican emphasizes that Pope Francis not only acted as the head of the Catholic Church, but also set impulses for comprehensive changes within the church. One of the central developments was the synodality, which he did a doctorate in order to promote more say and participate in the "people of God". These reforms have been the first comprehensive changes since the second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965, such as [katholisch.de] (https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/57116-franziskus- Derhweltsynode-die-kirche-veraendert) reported.

The document that was adopted on the last weekend of the world synod in Rome forms the basis for these reforms. However, it does not include any changes to church law; These are in preparation. The aim of the reforms includes more transparency and accounting for church heads as well as the opening of the church for disadvantaged and excluded groups.

a lasting inheritance

The appreciation of Pope Francis is underpinned by his profound changes in the church. Non-clerics, including women, have now participated in the synods, which is considered significant progress. The synodal process, which took almost four years, shows how it had a lasting impact on the church. Despite some concerns about the validity of bishops' synods with laypersons, the process was of central importance for the church policy debate and the future orientation of the Catholic Church.

The legacy of Pope Francis, especially in view of his commitment to an inclusive society, remains alive. He not only spoken for his principles, but also took concrete steps to implement them. In the coming days, the Catholic world will continue to remember the heir that he has left, while one mourning to say goodbye to one of the most important spiritual leaders of modern times.