After twelve years dedicating his life to leading the Catholic Church, Pope Francis’ service came to an end as he passed away on the morning of April 21st, Easter Monday. Francis was appointed Pope from 2013 to 2025 and lived to 88 years old. He continued his ministry while being hospitalized for months before his death, and continued serving the Church during his final days.
As many in the Catholic Church honor his significance, students share their thoughts about what his passing means for the future of the church. The loss took junior Anne McGuire by surprise, and she mourns the Pope who served the majority of her life.
“I was upset because even though I knew he was sick it felt so random,” McGuire said. “He has been the only Pope that I can really remember and see his impact, so it was just crazy to hear about.”
The word spread quickly on social media, as students such as sophomore Paul Olson heard the news while scrolling online.
“I knew he had reached out to the poor and helped on World Youth Day, so I was surprised while reading that and then learning just a few Instagram reels later about his death,” Olson said.
During his term as Pope, Francis continued the annual celebration of World Youth Day every Palm Sunday – established by Pope John Paul II in 1985. His commitment to uniting youth stood out to senior Kenya Diaz Gallegos, who witnessed him at an event televised on World Youth Day and expressed that she is grateful for his awaited peace after being sick.
Freshman Eleanor Holmes and McGuire agreed that Francis played a key role in keeping the Church stable despite the political state of the world. They expressed that the uncertainty of who will be the new Pope leaves them feeling anxious about how the Church will navigate through the challenge of a conclave.
“I think this will be hard for the Church to overcome because he was such a good leader,” Holmes said. “I am nervous because there are a lot of political problems in our world and I hope no one tries to take advantage of this with the new pope.”
The conclave, or the process to elect a new pope, brings cardinals from around the world to the Vatican, begins on May 7th. They will deliberate and vote on who the next Pope will be. While some Catholics are experiencing apprehension, Diaz Gallegos looks forward to what the future holds ahead.
“I trust that the Church will be led by the Holy Spirit,” Diaz Gallegos said. “I am not nervous – I am saddened yet hopeful for the future. It is all in God’s plan.”
