The People's Pope signs off, leaving behind a church changed forever

Faithful and pilgrims walk as they arrive to gather at St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican on April 21, 2025. [AFP] Even after his election, Pope Francis used a modest car in the Vatican, including on foreign visits. He declined to stay in the lavish Apostolic Palace and opted for a simple guest house. The death of 88-year-old Pope Francis, which occurred yesterday moments after he had appeared at the Easter Sunday Mass to bless pilgrims, brings to an end the 12-year reign of a man widely regarded as the "People's Pope." His death, coming shortly after the Urbi et Orbi (blessings and messages) - a traditional function that the Pope performs twice a year, mainly on Easter Sunday and at Christmas - is now widely being interpreted as a farewell gesture to Catholics around the world. Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pontiff, had been unwell for some time. He was hospitalised about a month ago, where he remained for two weeks. Before that, his health had deteriorated since last year, and he had even experienced difficulty walking. He was discharged last week, but doctors advised him to avoid any strenuous activity for two months. When admitted to Gemelli Hospital at the Vatican, he was treated for double pneumonia and other infections. He was also diagnosed with thrombocytopenia - a condition characterised by a low platelet count - and required supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions. Earlier in life, he had part of a lung removed due to pleurisy, which increased his vulnerability to pneumonia. He is regarded as the second most popular Pope after one of his predecessors, Pope John Paul II, whose pontificate lasted 27 years - the longest in recent times. John Paul II, considered an outsider as a native of Poland, was a historic choice. The same applied to Pope Francis, who hailed from Argentina. For a long period, successive Popes had been Italian. However, that changed with the election of Pope John Paul II, who broke the pattern. This trend continued with the succession of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI. When Pope Benedict XVI resigned due to failing health, many within the Church believed that the papacy would return to the Italian bishops, who not only form the majority of electors but also wield significant influence at the Vatican. In March 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, arrived at the Vatican unaware that he would never return to Argentina in the same capacity. He was elected Pope to succeed Benedict XVI. Even as Pope, he never returned to his home country before his death yesterday. Pope Benedict XVI, the first German Pope in a 1,000 years, had made history by resigning - the second Pope to do so in 600 years, the first being Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 to end the Western Schism. However, one principle the Catholic Church has long prided itself on is its independence from public opinion and polling. There is a quiet belief within the Church that those who actively seek high positions rarely attain them. Instead, responsibility is often entrusted to those considered the least likely. At no time were Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, or Pope Francis considered front-runners. Their elections came as a surprise. The same is likely to occur with the successor of Pope Francis, when the 135 cardinals eligible to vote begin gathering at the Vatican from tomorrow in preparation for the conclave after the funeral. As of April 21, 2025, there are 252 cardinals, of whom 135 are eligible electors. Pope Francis appointed 149 of those cardinals during his pontificate, the majority of whom will participate in the conclave to choose his successor. His predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, appointed 41 and 62 cardinals, respectively. Nairobi's Archbishop Emeritus John Njue will be among those travelling to the Vatican to lay Pope Francis to rest and take part in electing the next Pope. Pope Francis's pontificate was marked by a mixture of controversy and popular, well-considered decisions. He was a vocal advocate for environmental causes, among other issues. He also took a bold stand against the powerful on matters such as social justice and corruption. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio led a simple life - a trait he carried with him to the Vatican. He regularly used public transport, especially the subway, to mingle with the poor on his daily commutes. He often cooked for himself and lived modestly. From the moment he was elected, he chose the name Francis, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, renowned for his compassion for the poor and dedication to service. Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis retained the simple silver crucifix he had always worn and declined the golden one customarily worn by Popes. He also avoided elaborate papal vestments. Immediately after his election, he defied expectations by refusing the papal limousine, opting instead to ride a bus with the cardinals who had just elected him, heading with them to lunch. Throughout his papacy, he continued to use a modest car, even on international visits, rejecting the luxury vehicles typically provided. He also broke tradition by choosing not to reside in the lavish Apostolic Palace, instead living in the simpler guesthouse, Santa Marta, within the Vatican. This choice allowed him greater accessibility to people, as the Apostolic Palace is heavily secured and more isolating. Pope Francis visited Kenya in November 2015 at the invitation of the Catholic bishops. During an event at Kasarani Stadium, he urged young Kenyans not to succumb to the temptations of corruption and encouraged them to support those vulnerable to "fanatical" ideologies. Departing from his prepared speech, he addressed a packed stadium, saying, "The spirit of evil leads us to a lack of unity. It drives us towards tribalism, corruption, and drugs. It leads to destruction through fanaticism," he urged the youth to resist these vices. At State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with political leaders, he condemned corruption, recounting the story of a wealthy man who believed he could be buried with his riches.

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