Pope Francis dies at 88: A look at his legacy and the geographic history of the papacy
The Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, at the age of 88. The first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope in history, Francis, passed away peacefully in the Apostolic Palace on the morning of Monday, April 21, leaving behind a legacy marked by humility, reform, and a tireless pursuit of social justice.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis shattered centuries of tradition in 2013 when he became the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His election not only represented a geographical shift in the papacy but also a moral and ideological one, emphasising compassion for the poor, care for the environment, and the importance of mercy over judgment.
A papal history written in geography
A map from The World in Maps reveals just how monumental Francis's election truly was. The map highlights the birthplaces of all popes throughout history, and the more than 260 popes, a staggering 217 hailed from modern-day Italy. Other European countries like France (16 popes), Germany (7), Spain (6), and Greece (5) follow distantly behind.
On the contrary, Argentina—Francis’s homeland—produced just one pope in its history: the man who, for over a decade, led the global Catholic Church from the southern hemisphere.
A legacy rooted in reform
Francis will be remembered not just for where he came from, but for what he stood for. His papacy was marked by groundbreaking gestures: visiting war zones, advocating for refugees, championing climate action through his landmark Laudato Si’, and calling for a more inclusive Church.
He also made headlines for his stance on sensitive issues like homosexuality, clerical abuse, and the role of women in the Church—topics that often sparked both praise and controversy.
What happens next?
With the papal seat now vacant, the College of Cardinals will soon be summoned to the Vatican for a conclave, a centuries-old process in which cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope.
While it remains to be seen who will wear the white robes next, many believe that Francis paved the way for greater diversity in the papacy. With Catholic populations booming in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the next pontiff may continue the trend of global representation in the Church’s highest office.
