The Legacy of a Borderless Pontificate
L’Osservatore Romano’s Tribute to Pope Francis
In a special edition published on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Holy See’s official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, paid heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away earlier that morning. The commemorative edition reflects on both the Pope’s final hours and his historic pontificate, describing him as “the Pope of Mercy” and “our brother, a peacemaker”.
The publication highlights many “firsts” of Jorge Mario Bergoglio: the first Jesuit Pope, the first Latin American, the first to live outside the Apostolic Palace, and the first to open a Holy Year outside Rome. His closeness to people, humility, and tireless commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue are praised.
It also reflects on his vast apostolic activity: 47 international journeys to countries including Iraq, South Sudan, Canada, and Cuba, and his historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. It notes his bold reforms, such as the Praedicate Evangelium constitution, and decisive action against abuse.
Most moving is the full Urbi et Orbi Easter message, read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli on Sunday, April 20, just hours before the Pope’s passing—a powerful call for peace and justice, now his final blessing to the world.
The issue also includes Easter homilies prepared by the Pope, details of his last public appearances, and a poignant remembrance of events like the Statio Orbis of March 27, 2020, when he prayed alone in an empty St. Peter’s Square during the pandemic.
Sources and copyright:
This content is based on L’Osservatore Romano, Special Edition, April 21, 2025. All rights reserved to Tipografia Vaticana Editrice L’Osservatore Romano. For further information: www.osservatoreromano.va
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