Pope Francis dies aged 88: A look at his leadership legacy
The pontiff didn’t just manage the Vatican; he transformed its day-to-day ethos. And in doing so, he became an example of values-led change.
On Easter Monday, Pope Francis – history’s first Latin American pontiff – passed away at the age of 88. The Argentine pope’s death marks the end of a transformative 12-year papacy that often steered the Catholic Church away from traditional strongholds and toward society’s margins.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, confirmed the pope’s passing from the chapel of Domus Santa Marta, Francis’s residence.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell announced.
A leader through crises – both personal and institutional
The pope’s health had been on a downward spiral for some time. In mid-February, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome following a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He remained there for 38 days – the longest hospitalisation of his pontificate – before being discharged on 23 March.
Remarkably, just a day before his passing, he made an appearance from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, waving to the faithful and delivering his “Urbi et Orbi” benediction. His message, which was a call for freedom of thought and tolerance, was a final nod to the values he championed throughout his tenure.
Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had faced two near-death episodes earlier this year and dealt with chronic lung disease since youth, having had part of one lung removed. In recent years, age caught up with him.
Since 2022, he had been using a wheelchair in public appearances due to a torn knee ligament and often presided over Mass from the side platform instead of the high altar.
Not business as usual: A papacy defined by disruption
Elected in 2013, Pope Francis inherited a Vatican plagued by scandal and disillusionment. His response was a back-to-basics leadership style rooted in humility, simplicity, and servant leadership.
From rejecting the papal palace in favour of a modest guesthouse, to shunning bulletproof vehicles for open transport, Francis led by example. Asked once if he feared the lack of protection, he quipped:
At my age, I’ve got nothing to lose.
Francis’ convictions resonated beyond church pews. He championed the plight of refugees, called for urgent climate action, and advocated for more inclusive attitudes within the Church, particularly towards the LGBT+ community and divorced Catholics. In doing so, he rattled traditionalists, especially in the US, who viewed his approach as softening doctrine.
Still, his influence was felt well beyond the Vatican walls. His stance on economic inequality, often critical of market excesses, positioned him as a moral counterweight to unchecked capitalism. His vision of a Church that listens to the “peripheries,” a term he used to describe marginalised communities, earned him a global following.
A send-off rooted in his values
True to form, Francis has broken with papal tradition in death as he did in life. He will be buried not in St Peter’s Basilica, but in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore, a significant departure from the norm and a reflection of his pastoral humility. He also declined the traditional three-coffin arrangement, instead opting for a single casket made of wood and zinc.
His passing triggers the time-honoured Vatican process to elect a new pontiff. In the interim, Cardinal Farrell will handle the day-to-day affairs of the Vatican City state.
Tributes pour in from world leaders
The global response to his death underscores the breadth of his influence. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him a friend who brought comfort during difficult moments:
The fact he’s leaving on Easter Monday, it’s like he wanted to do his duty until the very end,” she noted.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, calling the pontiff: “a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.” His message reflected the sentiments of many outside the Christian faith who recognised Francis as a moral compass in turbulent times.
King Charles offered a personal tribute, stating:
His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith ....
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world,” King Charles said.
A legacy of humility in leadership
Pope Francis’s papacy offers rich lessons on leadership. His approach was less about command-and-control and more about influence, empathy, and systemic change.
The pontiff favoured walking the talk – literally and metaphorically – by living simply and engaging with those often overlooked by institutions. His focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and moral leadership resonates with today’s push for purpose-driven communities.
Just as he worked to re-centre the Church’s priorities, many leaders now find themselves under pressure to do the same.
Pope Francis didn’t just manage the Vatican; he transformed its day-to-day life. And in doing so, he became not just a spiritual leader but a case study in values-led change.
The world will now look to the College of Cardinals for his successor, but the late pontiff’s ethos will continue to resonate across communities striving to lead with conscience and compassion.
