Francis became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name “Francis,” honoring St. Francis of Assisi.
A Papacy Marked by Change
Pope Francis’ tenure was marked by an openness to social and technological change. He was the first pope to write an op-ed for The New York Times and frequently used digital platforms to engage the faithful and global community.
Perhaps most notably, in a 2023 document, he approved the blessing of same-sex couples by Catholic priests—an unprecedented shift in tone within the Church.
While traditionalists viewed this as controversial, Francis sought to bridge doctrine and compassion. As he said in a 2023 Associated Press interview:
“While homosexuality is not a crime, any sexual act outside of marriage is considered a sin. It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.”
Health Struggles and Final Days
Pope Francis had faced declining health in his final years. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, for bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
