Pope Francis (1936-2025): The people’s pope

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. He was the Bishop of Rome from 2013 to 2025 in a papacy characterised by a dedication to the marginalised and a deep care for God’s creation. Though it was not free from criticism and controversy, it was one that will leave a lasting impact on Catholics around the world, says Catherine Pepinster

Pope Francis who has died today, was one of the most popular popes of recent times.

Loved by many Catholics for his forgiving, compassionate approach to human nature, his concern for the environment and for migrants and drew admiration from members of other churches and none.  

Yet his papacy was not without its critics, including those who were delighted by his election but became frustrated by a lack of progress on key issues. He seemed unable to ensure the Catholic Church had a robust safeguarding system to protect children against sexual abuse by priests. Although he promoted a few women to be Vatican officials, he did not budge on women’s ordination, stalling even on allowing women to become deacons. And while he was liked for his message of peace, many thought his attempts to improve Vatican relations with the Beijing regime did nothing to help Christians who fell foul of China’s oppression of religion.