POPE FRANCIS DIES AT 88 FROM STROKE AND HEART FAILURE – A “FORGETTABLE” END FOR THE MAN CALLED THE MOST “CRUEL” IN CHURCH HISTORY?
Rome, Vatican – The entire Catholic world and observers are shaken by the official announcement from the Vatican early this morning: Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 from a stroke and heart failure. Although the information was announced by the media in a solemn and commemorative manner, not everyone expressed their condolences. On the contrary, on social networks, many opposing opinions appeared, with uncompromising comments: “A fitting end for a man who sowed division and pain”.
Pope Francis – born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina – was elected in 2013, becoming the first pope from South America and the first Jesuit. He has been hailed as a “breath of change” for the Vatican, with his simple lifestyle, frequent contact with the poor, and especially his progressive statements on migration, climate change and the LGBTQ+ community.
However, those same things have also made him one of the most controversial and divisive figures in the Church’s modern history. Many conservatives have not hesitated to call him a “sacrilegious tradition-breaker”, someone who blurs the line between the divine and the political.
FROM HOPE TO DISAPPOINTMENT: REFORMER OR TRAITOR?
From the very first days of his reign, Pope Francis surprised the public by refusing to live in the Apostolic Palace and choosing to stay at the Vatican guest house – a gesture that was considered humble. However, over time, that “people-friendly” style was seen by many as a ploy to hide reforms that would overthrow the foundation of the Church.
Under his reign, doctrines on marriage, divorce, homosexuality, women in the Church, etc. were all put on the table for “re-examination”. He was accused of oppressing conservative cardinals, removing many dissenting bishops, and using his power to promote a “globalized Catholicism” with a liberal, progressive color.
Many people condemned him for “betraying the legacy of previous Popes” such as Benedict XVI or John Paul II. Francis’ meetings with Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist leaders – although praised by the mainstream media – were called “betrayals of God” by some Catholics.
“HE NEVER SHOWS REPENTANCE” – THE CURSE BEFORE DEATH
Francis has been criticized not only for his doctrinal indifference and lack of action in the face of child sexual abuse scandals in the Church. Despite his apologetic statements, many victims believe that he has never really committed to punishing guilty priests or rebuilding internal power monitoring mechanisms.
Some Catholic commentators have even argued that Francis’ death is the natural end of a failed and rejected reign. On social media X (Twitter), hashtags like #GoodRiddance, #FalsePope, or even #JusticeServed are spreading rapidly.
THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH: THE REmains of a Reformation?
The Catholic Church is currently facing a profound power vacuum. With faith in the Church in the West plummeting, Francis’s death could be an opportunity for conservative forces to regain control of the Vatican. But it is also possible that a more progressive successor could be chosen to continue his legacy.
Love him or hate him, there is no denying that Francis is a figure who has reshaped the entire identity of 21st-century Catholicism in ways few have dared to do – and few have forgiven.
