By Karolina Mroczek, Grade 11
The Easter Monday death of Pope Francis had left the world with a pressing question: who will carry on his legacy? Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, has certainly made his mark as the Holy Father. Known for his strong beliefs in social justice and environmental preservation, Pope Francis has made significant strides towards a reformed and more progressive Church. His unique approach to the papacy will be difficult to replicate, but many believe that his legacy will be well-maintained by his successor.
While Pope Francis’ death may be disheartening, it is important to note his incredible and lifelong blessings. In his youth, Pope Francis (known at the time as Jorge Mario Bergoglio) suffered a severe respiratory infection. His treatment required the removal of a lung and resulted in a slight damage of tissue in the surrounding area. Bergoglio lived the rest of his life at a higher risk of infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which he had recently recovered from. He had been blessed to live a long, healthy life despite his preexisting health conditions. Berogoglio’s death was likely a result of a myriad of illnesses: he suffered from double pneumonia, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension at the time of his death. He survived a stroke, but it unfortunately led to a “coma and irreversible cardiac arrest,” as noted by the Vatican. Despite his condition, Bergoglio was blessed to live to the age of 88.
During his 12 years as pope, Bergoglio openly expressed his support for religious unity and addressed the climate crisis. Pope Francis also famously declared that “all religions are paths to God,” reinforcing the importance of religious unity, regardless of beliefs. In his encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis focused on the critical issue of climate change, claiming that it is the responsibility of all developed nations to work towards reversing the effects of pollution. He added that climate change is a more significant concern for the poor, as its consequences among less developed countries are more severe. Laudato Si’ emphasizes the importance of global unity in the effort to preserve the Earth. His emphasis on global unity contributed to the overly positive outlook of his papacy.
The most recent papal conclave began on May 7 and came to an end only a day later. After four voting sessions, the 133 eligible cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Prevost, who selected the papal name of Leo XIV. Leo XIV, native of Chicago, Illinois, is the first pope from the United States. He was appointed by his predecessor as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023. This role likely enabled Prevost to gain additional experience and support, which ultimately may have contributed to his selection as Pope. Prevost was one of the most notable candidates in the conclave, and he is now our Holy Father.
Viva il Papa!
