The world mourns Pope Francis, who died yesterday at age 88, just hours after delivering his final Easter Sunday message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Newspapers across the globe have commemorated his papacy with headlines that highlight his connection to ordinary Catholics and his efforts to reform the Church.
“We must use the weapons of peace,” were among his final public words, as reported by the Irish Independent, which featured an image of the pontiff surrounded by thousands of faithful. This sentiment encapsulated the message of a papacy marked by calls for mercy, inclusion, and social justice.
From Dublin to Sydney, publications have dubbed Francis “the People’s Pope,” highlighting his accessibility and humble approach to leadership. The Irish Examiner featured him against a stark white background with this popular epithet, while multiple UK papers, including The Star, used the same phrase.
International coverage focused on Francis’s reformist tendencies, with The Times of London describing him as “an outsider” who attempted to change the Church. Italy’s Corriere della Sera referred to him as “papa degli ultimi” – the Pope of marginalized people – reflecting his consistent advocacy for refugees, the poor, and those on society’s periphery.
American newspapers emphasized his initial success in making the Catholic Church more “open,” though some noted the challenges he faced in implementing lasting reforms. The Washington Post characterized his papacy as one of “humility, warmth and mercy.”
As Catholics worldwide prepare for a papal transition, Francis leaves behind a legacy as a pontiff who strived to bring the Church closer to its people while addressing complex modern challenges.