Pope Francis passed away on Monday, aged 88. Born Jorge Bergoglio, the pope held the title of archbishop of Rome and head of the Catholic church for 12 years and became both loved – and criticized – for his ways of trying to modernize the institution.
In the days after his passing, mourners from around the world had the chance to say their last goodbyes to Francis as he lay in St. Peter’s Basilica. But now, some mourners have decided to share their furious words, all because of how people aren’t respecting the late pope.
Pope Francis was named Pope in 2013, but could have risen to the role earlier. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, Francis was on the verge of becoming Pope. According to reports, he received the second-most votes in the papal conclave. The successor, however, was to be Pope Benedict XVI.
When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was named the next pope. He took the name Pope Francis and made history as the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pontiff — and what he did during his 12-year papacy would echo worldwide.
Many, including a number of cardinals, had much to say about how Pope Francis tackled his papacy. As the Catholic Church is an ancient institution, many believe things should remain the same as they have always been. However, Francis had other ideas, seeking to modernize the church.
He became known for advocating for progressive causes, including support for immigrants and those experiencing poverty. He was also the first pope to label laws that criminalize homosexuality “unjust.”
Moreover, Francis was an environmental activist. In 2015, he released a papal letter titled “Laudato Si’ (Praise Be to You),” concluding with a section where the Pope called for action against climate change.
Pope Francis
“The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Here I want to recognize, encourage and thank all those striving in countless ways to guarantee the protection of the home which we share,” Francis wrote.
“Particular appreciation is owed to those who tirelessly seek to resolve the tragic effects of environmental degradation on the lives of the world’s poorest. Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the sufferings of the excluded.”
He continued: “I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.”
While Pope Francis was praised for many reasons, there were also scandals. For example, the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal, in which Francis discredited the survivors of abuse in Chile. Later, however, he apologized, calling it a “grave error.” He also defrocked Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, who the Vatican found guilty of assaulting children and adults.
Pope Francis was a man of the people, and after becoming pope, he refused to change his lifestyle to a more lavish one. When he was elected, he declined to use the grand papal apartment on the top floor of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, instead of moving into a modest two-room residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, previously used for guests.
Pope Francis met pilgrims the day before his death
Although the Catholic Church has traditions surrounding the pope that date back hundreds of years, Pope Francis seemed more interested in being accessible to the public, not only as a representative but also as a direct link to Jesus.
Wearing traditional clothing is a significant aspect of a pope’s role, and while some want to uphold traditions no matter what, Francis had other ideas. Just a few weeks after he had been voted pope, his aides urged him to wear white trousers to match his white cassock. Speaking to NPR, Francis’ biographer, Auster Ivereigh, claimed the pope declined, saying: ” No thanks. I don’t want to look like an ice cream seller.”
The pope enjoyed spending time with “ordinary people,” helping those in need. Just a day prior to his death, though his health was waning, he decided to pass through the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in his so-called popemobile, without the bulletproof glass around him. The crowd was estimated to be 50,000 people strong, with Francis smiling as he hugged members.
Francis suffered from health issues during large parts of his papacy. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, took the extremely rare decision to resign when he felt his health prevented him from continuing. In a 2024 sit-down with CBS show 60 Minutes, Francis stated that he had never considered stepping down.
“Maybe if the day comes when my health can go no further,” he said. “Perhaps because the only infirmity I have is in my knee, and that is getting much better. But it never occurred to me.”
Pope Francis’ last wish
On Monday, April 21, the Vatican sadly announced the his death.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Pope Francis’s body was moved to lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning. While the red velvet-linen open casket was transferred to its spot, a choir sang, and cardinals chanted in Latin. Mourners can pay their respects for three days before the funeral on Saturday. However, unlike many other popes before him, Francis has decided not to be buried in the Vatican.
“Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial. I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy,” Pope Francis wrote.
“Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic Journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care. I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.”
Many were surprised to learn that Francis wished not to be buried in the Vatican. The late Pope also did one last thing to prove that he was a man of the people: he requested that no inscriptions on the tomb mention his role as Pope.
“May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me.”
“The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus. The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Mons. Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter,” Francis continued.
“May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.”
The funeral for Pope Francis went ahead on Saturday. The Italian government has announced that over 100 foreign delegations are expected to attend. Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, arrived in Rome on Friday, as did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Others expected to attend include Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William.
The funeral mass began at 10 a.m., local time, on Saturday in St Peter’s Square, with more than 200,000 pilgrims expected to line the streets. Francis’ casket, a simple wooden coffin, was then transferred in procession to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, about 2.5 miles away.
Mourners furious over people taking pictures of the dead pope
For three days, mourners were able to pay their respects at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Francis lies in state. On Friday, the coffin closed. According to the Guardian, more than 150,000 people queued for hours to pay their respects.
But sadly, there have been feelings of sorrow and anger. Speaking to the Mirror, Martin Gilsenan and his wife Catherine from London, UK, stated that they were appalled by how many people took pictures of the dead pope instead of paying their respects. They were visiting Rome on holiday and decided to say goodbye to the pope at St. Peter’s Basilica.
“I found the mobile phones very distasteful,” said Catherine. “I was very surprised there were photos.”
Both Martin and Catherine paid their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 as she was lying in state.
“People were being asked to put their selfie sticks away when they got to the front,” Martin added. “There were also many people looking around and getting upset with those on the phones. We have phones, but we kept them in our pockets and afterwards found a spot inside the church for 15 minutes of quiet contemplation.”
“You’ve got to put that in your memory, not take a photo”
Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, two other mourners, Maureen Cesari and her husband Ian from Toowoomba, Australia, say that people taking selfies in front of the dead pope was “disrespectful and creepy.”
“I don’t think that’s the right thing to do, to get a photo with the pope,” Maureen said. “If I had some time would I probably line up because I am Catholic and it’s a moment in time. But I think that you’ve got to put that in your memory, not take a photo.”
On Thursday, guards invoked a ban on taking pictures on their phones.
Do you think you should be allowed to take pictures of the dead pope or not? Please share this article and give us your opinion. Rest in peace, Pope Francis.
