Requiscat in Pace, Pope Francis

Requiscat in pace (rest in peace), Pope Francis (17 December, 1936 - 21 April, 2025). Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church and the 8th head of the Vatican City State. He was the first Jesuit pope and also the first from the American continent, specifically South America (Argentina). In addition, he was the 11th non-European pope after Gregory III from Syria.

Throughout his public life, Francis was known for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, international visibility as pope, concern for the poor, and commitment to interreligious dialogue. For that reason too, he was also the least formal pope so far. As a Jesuit pope, he was pontificating in a new way, making it clear that a fundamental task of the faithful is not so much to follow rules but to discern what God is calling them to do.

Politically, Pope Francis was seen to be a progressive and liberal pope, perhaps the most so far. He assured that the Catholic Church should be more open to the LGBTQ+ community. He criticised capitalism, consumerism and the rise of right-wing populism during his papacy. Lastly, he convened the Synod of Synodality in 2024 which was seen as the most important event since the Second Vatican Council and the peak of his papacy.

May the legacy of Pope Francis endure, not only for the Roman Catholic Church but for all of Christianity and the world. Hopefully the next pope can continue to maintain what Pope Francis has done during his papacy. Eternal rest grant onto him and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.