The Seminole County Democratic Party extends its sympathy to all those mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died today at the age of 88.
Pope Francis made history by being the first member of the Catholic religious order known as the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, to serve as pope, and as the only pope to address a joint session of the United States Congress, which took place in 2015. Despite being of Italian ancestry, he was also the first pope born in the Western Hemisphere and South America after his parents moved to Argentina.
In 1957, part of his lung was removed due to a severe respiratory infection, which may have complicated his ability to recover from his most recent illness. Prior to being elected by his fellow Catholic cardinals to lead the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis, whose given name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had served as the Bishop of Buenos Aires. During his years in his home country, his ministry spanned Argentina’s rule under a right-wing, military government to that countries’ later move to democracy.
During his twelve years as the leader of the Vatican and the world’s Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis made history in many respects.
Pope Francis was known globally for his efforts to embrace marginalized people, including the poor and immigrants fleeing suffering and seeking mercy and love in foreign lands. He was also known for trying to change attitudes towards people from the LGBTQ+ community. While he himself shunned luxury and opulence often associated with high leadership positions, he also gained recognition from his emphasis on the need for humility, compassion, and mercy when dealing with others to promote a more just and peaceful world.
Thus, he worked to end the violent conflict afflicting Ukraine, which he referred to as a “martyred” country, and promoted nonviolence and justice in the Middle East, including in the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians suffering in the crossfire of the war in Gaza. He also promoted peace in Africa in the form of a ceasefire in Sudan and became the first pope to ever visit a country suffering through a civil war, when he visited the Central African Republic in 2015.
Similarly, he highlighted the need to protect our natural environment. He encouraged world leaders to promptly address the challenge of climate change, which often brings more suffering, instability, and conflict than already takes place throughout the world.
Within his Church, he was known for trying to heal the wounds created by the clergy sex abuse scandal that had victimized Catholics. He also worked to reform the Church’s financial system, and he also placed women in historically high leadership positions within the Vatican’s ranks.
Pope Francis’s life and leadership left a deep impression on people around the world—including many right here in Seminole County. His message of humility, compassion, and justice challenged us all to look inward and care for one another more fully. As we remember his legacy, we hope to carry forward the values he stood for.