Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His passing was announced just before 10 a.m. local time, one day after he made a public appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on Easter Sunday. The pontiff had recently recovered from a severe bout of pneumonia, which had necessitated a five-week hospital stay.
First Minister Eluned Morgan of Wales expressed her condolences to the Catholic community, stating, "As first minister of Wales, and as a Christian, I offer my deepest condolences to the Catholic community in Wales and around the world." She emphasized the profound impact Pope Francis had during his papacy, noting, "He led with unwavering humility, courage and profound compassion." Morgan highlighted his advocacy for the marginalized, stating, "His message was clear: every person, regardless of background, race, or sexuality, deserves dignity, respect and love."
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis rose through the ranks of the Church, becoming the city’s archbishop in 1998 and a cardinal in 2001. His election as pope in March 2013 marked a historic moment as he became the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to hold the papacy. His papacy was characterized by a commitment to social justice, a departure from the more conservative approaches of his predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
Mark O'Toole, the archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, appointed by Pope Francis in 2022, referred to him as an "exceptional shepherd of the Church." He noted the importance of Pope Francis’s teachings, saying, "By the manner of his life, Pope Francis has always challenged me to be a better, more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ."
Anglican Archbishop of Wales Andy John remarked on the pope's legacy, stating, "In the Church in Wales, we join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church as they mourn the loss of the Holy Father, and we give thanks with them for a life of faith which has been an inspiration to countless millions." He also mentioned a piece of the True Cross gifted by Pope Francis, which now symbolizes unity between Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in Wales.
Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce, who portrayed Pope Francis in the film "The Two Popes," reflected on the pontiff's character, stating, "He was a man of integrity who embraced diversity and equality, spoke for the poor, the disenfranchised, refugees and immigrants." He expressed hope that world leaders would heed the teachings of Pope Francis, lamenting, "Sadly, they haven't shown any sign of doing so to date."
Bryn Jones, a 40-year-old postgraduate student from Talwrn, Anglesey, who was in the Vatican during Pope Francis's election, described the energy surrounding his papacy, saying, "There was a lot of energy when he became Pope, you could feel it, feel his energy throughout the Vatican." He noted the pope's emphasis on love and service, particularly towards marginalized groups.
Broadcaster Guto Harri, a former advisor to Boris Johnson, praised Pope Francis for his humility and care for others, stating, "He was a very different Pope" who grounded the Church in the realities of the third world. He highlighted the pope's inclusive approach, saying, "He has shown more than anything that there was an alternative to theology and orthodox religion, if you will, because the language he spoke was to lead by example."
Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, recalled his meeting with the pope in 2024, saying, "He was in good spirits and spoke passionately about peace, reconciliation and justice." Millar described him as a "truly remarkable man who loved Jesus and devoted his life to service of the Church."
Pope Francis's commitment to social issues was evident throughout his papacy. He published the 2015 encyclical "Laudato si'," which called on humanity to care for our "common home" and advocated for the rights of migrants, declaring that "turning away migrants is a grave sin" in 2024. His progressive stances often put him at odds with conservative factions within the Church, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. In 2023, several African bishops criticized his blessings of individuals in same-sex unions.
Despite these controversies, Pope Francis's legacy as the "people's pope" is marked by his compassion for the less fortunate and his efforts to make the Church more inclusive. His final months were spent advocating for peace and condemning violence, particularly in relation to the situation in Gaza. Eluned Morgan noted that he spoke with moral clarity, urging the world to recognize the humanity of all people.
As the Vatican prepares to pay its final respects, the public will have an opportunity to honor the pope's memory. A conclave will soon be held to elect his successor, marking a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church. The loss of Pope Francis is felt not only in the Catholic community but across the globe, as many reflect on his teachings and the compassion he embodied.
In a world often divided, Pope Francis strived to build bridges of unity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. His call for dignity and respect for all remains a guiding principle for many, reminding us of the importance of empathy and understanding in our shared humanity.
