George Sabljak: on Pope Francis and his impact on the modern world.
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced, as reported by Vatican News. The Holy Father, who had been the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, was elected pope after his predecessor, Benedict XVI, resigned. Benedict XVI was the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years.
The news of his death was announced by Cardinal Farrell in an official statement from the Vatican: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning at 7:35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. He dedicated his entire life to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us how to live the values of the Gospel faithfully, courageously and with universal love, especially for the benefit of the poorest and most excluded. With immense gratitude for his example of a true disciple of Christ, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite mercy of the Triune God.”
Health Struggles in the Pope’s Final Years
The final years of his pontificate were marked by frequent hospital visits and concerns about his health. On 14th February, the Pope was hospitalised for treatment of bronchitis. Shortly afterwards, the Vatican announced that he had been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. Additionally, he had received transfusions due to low platelet levels in his blood, associated with anemia.
By 22nd February, it was reported that he was in critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis” requiring high-flow oxygen. The following day, it was announced that he was showing “initial, mild” kidney failure.
Outpouring of Support from the Faithful
Thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery. Others made pilgrimages to the Roman hospital where he was being treated, leaving flowers and messages of support. The Pope remained in hospital until the end of the month, with doctors describing his condition as “complex”.
His voice was heard again on 6th March. In an audio message, he thanked everyone for their prayers and said: “I am with you, from here.”
On Easter Sunday, he greeted the faithful gathered at Mass in the Vatican.
Final Public Appearances
After 38 days, on 23rd March, he appeared publicly for the first time on the balcony of the Gemelli Hospital. He smiled at those gathered and gave a thumbs up in gratitude.
Upon returning to the Vatican, he surprised the faithful by stopping at his favourite basilica. He then began a two-month phase of rest and recovery.
Doctors confirmed that the Pope would have access to oxygen as needed and 24-hour medical care. Although the pneumonia had been successfully treated, Francis continued to take oral medications for a fungal infection in his lungs. He also underwent respiratory and physical therapy.
His death marks the end of one of the most influential pontificates in the modern history of the Church.
Pope Francis met with the Croatian “Vatreni”
A special chapter in the Pope’s sporting story was written when he with the Croatian national football team. It was originally planned for June 2023, just before the Nations League finals in the Netherlands. However, due to the Holy Father’s unexpected surgery, the audience had to be postponed.
A year later, on the eve of the European Championship in Germany, in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, the Pope finally received the “Vatreni” and a delegation from the Croatian Football Federation led by President Marijan Kustić. It was a meeting filled with emotions and mutual respect. Pope Francis addressed the Croatian delegation with warm words, emphasising the importance of team spirit.
Teamwork in Sport and Life
“While playing football, you are a team and have the honour of representing your people. This ‘being a team’ is an aspect of sport that I like to highlight because it is comparable with social life, in different environments where one lives and works with others. Individual actions are important, imagination, creativity… But if individualism prevails, the overall dynamics are disrupted and the goal is not achieved. Therefore, thank you for being an example of how to be a team!”
He also emphasised that their role extends beyond the sporting sphere, becoming a “model of success and successful living”. He stressed the importance of nurturing spiritual and human qualities to be a good example to others.
A Call to Be Role Models
“Never forget that fans, especially young people, look up to you: your role goes beyond the sporting environment and becomes a model of a fulfilled life and success. Therefore, it is important for you to cultivate spiritual and human virtues, so that you can be an exemplary example,” the Pope said.
Selecting the Next Pope
The next pope will be elected by the College of Cardinals—senior Catholic leaders appointed by the pope. They will soon gather in Rome for the conclave (derived from Latin cum clave, “with key”), a sealed process to choose a successor.
Of over 220 global cardinals, only 120 under age 80 can vote. Two-thirds were appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his push for a more inclusive Church.
Typically 15-20 days after a pope’s death, cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel. After declaring “extra omnes” (“all out”), non-voters exit, and doors are locked.
Strict Secrecy
Cardinals swear an oath of silence and are cut off from outside contact. Phones, media, and messages are banned. The chapel is swept for bugs to prevent leaks. The election continues until a two-thirds majority agrees on a candidate. Voting occurs up to four times daily, with smoke signals (black for no decision, white for a new pope) announcing progress.