The world will have its last chance to bid a final farewell this weekend to Pope Francis, who leaves behind a legacy shaped by his efforts to reform the Church—from addressing clerical abuse to expanding dialogue around climate change, migration, and inclusion.
The world will bid a final farewell this weekend to Pope Francis, who leaves behind a legacy shaped by his efforts to revitalize the Catholic Church — from addressing clerical abuse to expanding dialogue around climate change, migration, and inclusion.
The Argentine pontiff died at the age of 88 on Monday from a stroke that resulted in a coma and irreversible heart failure, according to the Vatican’s top doctors.
It came after Francis — who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger — was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, for a respiratory crisis that evolved into double pneumonia. He spent a total of 38 days there before he was released to recover in his apartment, and he made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering a blessing and greeting followers from his popemobile as he looped around St. Peter’s Square.
