Pope Francis has died

Sad news this morning. Pope Francis, (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) has died. He was the first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order), the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside of Europe since the 8th-century.

Elected at 76 years old, Francis was said to be in good health at the time. It wasn't long though before he was using wheelchair, walker, or cane. In February of this year, Francis entered the hospital with bronchitis and never returned to full health.

Since waking up this morning, I have heard nothing but good thoughts about the Pope from all around the world. To say Pope Francis was well liked, would be an understatement. In a post on X a little while ago, Former President Joe Biden said it best:

"It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love."