- Pope Francis dies at 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, leaving a legacy of compassion, reform, and humility
- The Vatican confirmed his peaceful passing at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City
- TheRadar has compiled 10 remarkable things to know about Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at 88 not only ends a chapter in Vatican history but invites a moment of deep reflection.
A man who inspired billions, challenged the status quo, and stayed true to his vow of humility, Pope Francis wasn’t just a religious leader; he was a global symbol of compassion and reform.
As the world mourns, here are 10 remarkable things to remember about the late Pope Francis, the man many fondly called ‘The People’s Pope’:
10 remarkable things about Pope Francis
1. He was the first of many ‘firsts’
Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope, the first from the Jesuit order, the first from the Western Hemisphere, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.
He was also the first to take the name Francis, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi.
2. He lived with one lung
As a young man, Francis had part of a lung removed due to an infection.
Yet, he never let this limit his energy or global commitments, even in his final years.
3. He turned down Vatican luxury
Breaking with papal tradition, he rejected the lavish papal apartment and chose to live in a simple two-room flat at Casa Santa Marta.
He also refused the red shoes and ornate garments, sticking with his worn black shoes and silver cross.
4. He was the first Pope named Time’s Person of the year
In 2013, just months after becoming pope, Time Magazine named him Person of the Year for his humility, compassion, and groundbreaking reforms.
5. He was a social media-savvy pontiff
With over 53 million followers across platforms, Pope Francis embraced social media to spread messages of peace and hope.
His Twitter account in English alone had over 18.9 million followers, and his Instagram had 9 million.
6. He promoted women in church leadership
Although he maintained the Church’s traditional stance on the priesthood, Pope Francis appointed record numbers of women to key roles in the Vatican.
He believed in empowering women within the institution wherever possible.
7. He was a teacher and scholar
Long before the papacy, young Jorge Bergoglio worked odd jobs, including bouncer, janitor, and chemistry technician.
He taught literature and psychology in the 1960s and earned a doctorate in theology from Freiburg, Germany, in 1986, showcasing his intellectual and spiritual depth.
8. He loved tango and football
A passionate tango dancer and lifelong supporter of the Argentinian football club San Lorenzo, Pope Francis kept in touch with his cultural roots.
9. He was outspoken on global issues
From calling climate change a “crisis caused by humanity” to labelling the use and possession of nuclear weapons “immoral,” Francis used his platform to address real-world problems.
He also appealed for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, even in his final hours.
10. He was nearly elected in 2005
Pope Francis was the runner-up in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI before he was finally elected as Pope in 2013.
In his own words:
“How I would like a church that is poor and for the poor.”
This quote sums up Pope Francis’ mission: a Church that listens, uplifts and serves.
7 facts many didn't know about late actress Nkechi Nweje
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian film industry was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje.
She passed away at the age of 60 after a brief illness. Her death was confirmed on Saturday, March 22, by Nollywood producer Stanley Ajemba, popularly known as Stanley Ontop, who expressed deep sorrow over her passing.
TheRadar has compiled 7 things to know about the late actress Nkechi Nweje.