He wasn’t just a pope of tradition; he carved out a legacy of humility, compassion, and progressive ideals. He chose modest living quarters over grand papal apartments, refused a lavish salary, and kept his wardrobe refreshingly simple, famously quipping he didn’t want to look like an ice cream vendor when asked to don white trousers.

Right up until his last days, Francis remained close to the people. Just one day before his passing, he smiled and embraced crowds in St. Peter’s Square without the usual bulletproof glass protection, a crowd estimated at 50,000 strong.

His death was announced on Vatican TV by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” In his