Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, has evoked a wave of reflections and sentiments across the globe, particularly in the United States where many view him as a transformative leader of the Catholic Church. A snap poll conducted by YouGov just hours after the announcement of his passing revealed that 53% of U.S. adults regard Francis as either a very good pope (30%) or one of the best popes (23%). This contrasts sharply with the lower approval ratings for his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who saw only 15% of U.S. adults deem him very good (13%) or one of the best (2%) during his resignation in 2013.
Among Catholics, the admiration for Francis is even more pronounced, with 67% describing him as either very good (39%) or one of the best (27%). Only a small fraction, 9% of U.S. adults and 8% of Catholics, consider him a poor pope or among the worst. The poll, which surveyed 3,814 U.S. adults, also highlighted a significant divide in opinions based on political ideology. While 78% of very liberal Americans view Francis positively, only 34% of very conservative Americans share that sentiment. In fact, 17% of very conservative Americans categorize him as one of the worst popes, indicating a stark contrast in perspectives.
As news of his death spread, 79% of Americans, including 89% of Catholics, reported they were already aware of the situation. This high awareness reflects Francis's prominence not only within the church but also in the broader public discourse. The survey conducted between 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time on the day of his death also revealed that 36% of Americans hope his successor will be a reformer, while only 22% prefer a traditionalist. Among Catholics, the preferences are more closely divided: 39% favor a reformer compared to 34% who prefer a traditionalist.
In Wisconsin, where the Catholic community is significant, Archbishop Jeffrey Grob recalled his brief but impactful meeting with Francis in 2022, describing it as a "gift." He emphasized the pope's ability to connect with individuals, stating, "He wasn’t looking over my shoulder. … He was fixed on the person that was standing in front of him, and that’s his legacy because that translated into everything else he did." This personal touch resonated with many, as they remembered Francis as a compassionate leader with a heart for those on the margins of society.
The bells at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee tolled 88 times in honor of Francis's life, while a special Mass was held at Marquette University to commemorate his contributions. Father John Thiede, who led the Mass, noted that Francis exemplified a “great sense of mercy,” and was known for his light temperament, humor, and profound love for the church and its people. Maria Casey, a Marquette alumna who had met Francis during World Youth Day in 2016, expressed her admiration for his servant leadership, especially in divisive political times.
Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, recognizing Francis not only as a spiritual leader but also as a champion for environmental issues, peace, and dignity for all people. Evers stated, “Pope Francis was not only an inspirational spiritual leader, but a champion for the environment, peace, the pursuit of unity through common ground, treating people with dignity, reducing poverty and greed, and shared responsibility through community.”
In Virginia, Senator Tim Kaine reflected on his meaningful encounter with Francis during a visit to the Vatican in 2017. Kaine, who met the pope after one of his Wednesday addresses, described their conversation about the refugee crisis in Syria, conducted in Spanish. The senator recalled, “I had the feeling sort of what he was saying was, ‘hey, you’re a U.S. Senator, you have a lot on your shoulders, but I got a lot on my shoulders.'” Kaine left the meeting with a rosary gifted to him by Francis, a keepsake he cherishes deeply.
As preparations begin for a conclave to elect a new pope, many are left pondering the future direction of the Catholic Church. Most Americans, 57%, believe it does not matter where the next pope comes from, while a minority would prefer a pope from the U.S. (11%), Europe (7%), Latin America (6%), Africa (4%), or Asia (2%). This is a notable shift from the preferences expressed during Benedict's resignation when 15% favored a U.S. pope and 43% said it didn’t matter.
The legacy of Pope Francis will likely be shaped by his commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and the pastoral care he extended to the marginalized. His approach to leadership, characterized by humility and compassion, has left an indelible mark on the church and the world. As the Catholic community and the broader public reflect on his contributions, they are reminded of his call to embody God’s closeness and to walk alongside those in need.
In the wake of his passing, the sentiments expressed by many, including bishops and laypeople alike, highlight the profound impact Francis had on individuals and communities. From his emphasis on mercy to his outreach to the marginalized, his papacy has been a testament to the power of compassion in leadership. As the church looks towards the future, the hope remains that his successor will carry forward the values that Francis championed.
