Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church and also the leader of Vatican City from 13 March 2013 until his passing on Monday, April 21.

He was notable for being the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope born or raised outside of Europe since Pope Gregory III of Syria in the 8th century.

“I remember when Pope Francis was elected 12 years ago. He humbly asked everyone to pray for him, and he lived out his papacy in a spirit of simplicity and welcome for all God’s children. He was a shepherd who invited and challenged us to extend God’s  mercy to all, especially the most vulnerable. I pray for our next pope and trust that he will boldly proclaim the Gospel message, through example and words, to a world that is in profound need of the Lord,”  said Dr. Cristina Lopez-Hernandez, Theology Department.

Throughout his time as pope, Pope Francis was known and loved for his kindness, humility, and care for others. He spoke often about helping the poor, protecting the environment, and treating everyone with respect and mercy.

”I did not know much about him or popes in general, but I do hope great things for the next pope,” said sophomore Isabella Limardo.

He worked to make the Church more welcoming by focusing on bringing people together rather than dividing them.

Many around the world, both inside and outside the Church, saw him as a voice of peace and hope. His legacy will be remembered for his simple but powerful message: to love, to serve, and to care for one another.

“I really admire all that Pope Francis has done—he’s brought a lot of warmth, humility, and a strong focus on mercy and caring for others, especially the poor and the planet. He’s helped make the Church feel more open and compassionate. I think the next pope should keep that spirit alive but also bring a fresh energy to connect with younger generations, help us navigate modern challenges, and remind us how faith can guide us in everyday life,” said Ms. Ana-Roman Gonzalez, Theology Department.

One particular accomplishment of Pope Francis’s was his contribution through the encyclical Laudato Si’, particularly in raising awareness about the environmental crisis and its connection to social justice.

The encyclical calls for a moral address to the ecological crisis, urging individuals and societies to care for the planet and its inhabitants.