Pope Francis was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his death in 2025. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas and from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside of Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III. Wikipedia

Born: 17 December 1936, Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Died: 21 April 2025 (age 88 years), Saint Martha House, Vatican City

Awards: Independent Publisher Book Award for Freedom Fighter of the Year · See more

Full name: Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Education: Colegio Máximo de San José (1967–1970) · See more

Nationality: Argentine

Pope Francis gained widespread fame due to his progressive views, humility, and focus on social justice, alongside his role as the first non-European and first Jesuit pope. He was also known for his down-to-earth demeanor and willingness to engage in dialogue with people of all backgrounds. 

Here’s a more detailed look at the reasons:

• Firsts and Historic Status:Francis became the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in over a millennium, making him a historic figure. 
• Focus on Social Justice:He strongly criticized capitalism, consumerism, and overdevelopment, advocating for the poor and marginalized. 
• Environmental Concerns:He raised awareness about climate change and environmental degradation in his encyclical “Laudato Si'”. 
• Dialogue and Interreligious Relations:Francis emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding between different faiths and cultures. 
• Humility and Simplicity:He was known for his humble and accessible approach to the papacy, often choosing to live in a guesthouse rather than the papal residence. 
• Relatability:Many people connected with his relatable and down-to-earth personality. 
• Championing of the Poor:He consistently spoke out against poverty, inequality, and injustice, making him a powerful voice for the marginalized. 
• Progressive Views:He was seen as more progressive than his predecessor, particularly on issues like homosexuality, divorce, and abortion. 

Thousands queue to visit Pope Francis’s tomb on day after funeral

Mourners express sadness and gratitude, while special mass in St Peter’s Square attracts 200,000 people

Thousands of people queued to visit Pope Francis’s tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica the day after heads of state, royalty and hundreds of thousands of mourners attended his funeral in Rome.

Many crossed themselves and took photos on their phones as they filed past the tomb, marked simply with the name Franciscus.

“Pope Francis for me was an inspiration, a guide,” said Elias Caravalhal, a Rome resident who came “to thank him for what he has done”.

Susmidah Murphy, who was visiting the city from her home in India, said: “It’s unbelievable that he’s no more with us. It’s sad that we don’t get popes like this very often.”

Tens of thousands of people flocked before dawn to the square on a brilliant spring day that was supposed to have been a special Holy Year celebration for adolescents

Pope Francis was buried inside his favourite Rome church after a funeral mass in St Peter’s Square, the Vatican said on Saturday.