Pope Francis’ approach to key issues including his concern for the environment, immigration and abortion did not fit neatly into American political ideologies, Catholic political and theology experts told OSV News.
Remembering Pope Francis
Pope Francis died April 21, 2025. See below for full coverage from the Catholic Review, Catholic News Service and OSV News.
Pope Francis leaves complicated legacy on addressing the sexual abuse crisis
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88, faced the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, attempting to balance defending the church from criticism while showing compassion toward survivors, with often mixed results.
U.S. Catholics recall personal encounters with Pope Francis and his compassion
The Keatings were among many Catholics in the U.S. who shared tributes in the hours after Pope Francis’ death from a stroke and heart failure, after struggling to overcome a respiratory illness that led to a five-week hospitalization in February and March.
Cardinals recall Pope Francis as pope with a sensitivity to normal life
Cardinals around the world are remembering Pope Francis not just as a pope, but as a pastor deeply connected to real life. Some also expressed their hopes for the next pope.
Vatican releases unpublished papal reflection on old age
Growing old isn’t something to be feared, but rather something to embrace as a time of grace in one’s life, Pope Francis wrote in a preface for a book that was not released before he died.
Pope Francis’ teachings on synodality, environment make local impact
Pope Francis’ teachings and writings have had a major influence on several programs in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, notably its two-year Seek the City to Come initiative and its ongoing evangelization efforts.
How we have known Pope Francis since 2013
As we absorb the news of Francis’ death and anticipate his funeral and then the conclave gathering to elect a new pontiff, here is a quick look at how we have come to know Jorge Bergoglio over these past 12 years.
Mount St. Mary’s professor recalls his days with future pope in Argentina
Alejandro Cañadas, now an associate professor of economics at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, met then-Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio several times from 1991 to 1997 when he was a college student in his native Argentina.
In last interview, pope recounted the lie he always regretted
In Pope Francis’ last formal interview before he died, he shared the one lifelong regret he had never forgiven himself for: lying to avoid seeing an old family acquaintance because he was too busy.
Prayer, pilgrims accompany pope’s body to basilica
Thousands of people had made an early morning pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Square April 23 to witness the transfer and pray for the late pope; they erupted in applause when his body, in an open casket, reached the square and again when it reached the top of the basilica steps.
Documents: Pope wrote Curia reform, four encyclicals, six exhortations
Elected in 2013 with a clear mandate to reform the Roman Curia, Pope Francis completed the project with his apostolic constitution, “Preach the Gospel,” nine years after taking office.
Pope Francis lived up to his namesake’s love, care for creation
Tapping into the spirit and spirituality of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis made care for creation and for all that lives on the earth a pastoral priority.