Pope Francis, who sadly passed away on Easter Monday in April 2025, at the age of 88, left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church.
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrelin a statement released by the Vatican. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
“At 7.35 am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis’s death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.
While many knew him as a humble and approachable leader, there are a few surprising facts about his life and character:
- Tango Lover
Pope Francis during his young years loved dancing the tango. “I like it a lot. It’s something that comes from within me,” he once shared.
- Trained as a Chemist
The Pope like many others sought to charter a different path before the good Lord called him into His fold. Pope Francis initially trained and worked as a chemist, showing his wide range of skills outside of religion, before eventually becoming a priest.
- First Latin American and Jesuit Pope
Pope Francis was christened Jorge Mario Bergoglio at birth. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and made history as the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope in 2013.
- Lived With Only One Lung
Pope Francis had part of his lung removed in his teenage years. This was after he suffered a serious infection and he has lived with this health condition for the rest of his life.
- Advocate for Humility
He often spoke about the importance of humility, saying, “Humility is everything. It is what saves us from the evil one and from the danger of becoming his accomplices.”
- Simple Way of Life
Even as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived in a small flat and cooked his own meals, choosing a simple life over luxury. In 2017, Pope Francis was gifted a custom white-and-gold Lamborghini Huracan by the luxury carmaker. Despite the rarity and value of the supercar which retails for over $200,000 Pope Francis decided the car should be used for charity. The Pope signed the cars bonnet and the Lamborghini Huracan sold for around $860,000. The funds raised were distributed to several charitable causes globally.
- Spoke Several Languages
Francis spoke Spanish, Italian, and German fluently, which helped him connect with people from many parts of the world.
- Act of Kindness in 2001
In a moving act of compassion, he washed the feet of 12 patients with AIDS at a hospice in Argentina.
- Almost Became Pope in 2005
It was widely believed that he was the runner-up during the 2005 conclave, losing out to Pope Benedict XVI.
- Refused the Papal Throne
After his election as pope, he chose to stand on the same level as the cardinals instead of sitting on the traditional papal throne, a powerful gesture of humility.
