21.04.2025 11:40
Pope Francis, who has served as pope for 12 years, passed away at the age of 88. So, who is Pope Francis, who shook the world with the news of his death? Here is the answer to the question that many are curious about.
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The Vatican announced this morning at 07:35 local time that Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the President of the Vatican City State, has passed away.
As the news of the 88-year-old Pope Francis, who had served as pope for 12 years, shook the world, many rushed to the internet to learn unknown facts about his life. So, who is Pope Francis? Here is the answer to the question that many are curious about.
WHO IS POPE FRANCIS?
Elected as the 266th leader of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis was the first pope from Latin America and the first person from the Jesuit order. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms in the Catholic Church, adopting a more inclusive and compassion-focused approach. He was known for his sensitivity towards immigrants, the poor, and marginalized groups; he exhibited outspoken leadership on issues such as climate change, social justice, and economic inequality.
Pope Francis drew attention for imposing restrictions on traditional Latin rites, allowing divorced individuals to participate in the mass, and his statements regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, such as "Who am I to judge?" This reformist approach sparked debates in some conservative Catholic circles.
HEALTH STATUS AND FINAL DAYS
Pope Francis had experienced health issues in his youth, including the removal of a portion of his lungs. In 2025, he was hospitalized due to pneumonia, and his health deteriorated. In his final weeks, he was treated while connected to a respirator and passed away on April 21, 2025.
VISION
Pope Francis will be remembered for his efforts to transform the Catholic Church into a more open, transparent, and socially justice-oriented structure. During his tenure, he promoted reforms both within and outside the church and presented a vision of a more inclusive church.
HOW WILL THE NEW POPE BE ELECTED?
The body authorized to elect the pope is the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church. This council consists of cardinals, mostly bishops. Cardinals are appointed by the pope and serve for life. According to the official Vatican website, as of December 31, 2024, 252 cardinals from around the world have the right to vote in the papal election. However, due to a rule from 1975, cardinals who have reached the age of 80 cannot vote in papal elections. Currently, there are 114 cardinals over the age of 80, reducing the number of cardinals eligible to elect the pope to 138. Various interesting events have occurred in the past as well. In the 2013 papal election, a cardinal who could not come to Rome due to health issues requested to be excused from the vote. Another cardinal had to resign due to inappropriate behavior and could not participate in the election. Such situations can increase uncertainties regarding the election process.
THE PAPAL ELECTION ALSO AFFECTS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
During the papal election process, cardinals are invited to the Vatican to participate in a secret meeting called the "Conclave." Normally, the Dean of the College of Cardinals is responsible for calling the meeting. However, in 2013, this duty was transferred to 85-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re because the Dean of the College of Cardinals had exceeded 80 years of age at that time. The papal election also affects the management of the Catholic Church. Until a new pope is elected, the College of Cardinals temporarily takes over the administration of the church. This period represents an important transition for the Catholic world. Following these historic moments in the Vatican, the identity of the new leader of the Catholic world is eagerly awaited.
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