Tributes Pour as Pope Francis, First Jesuit Pope, Passes Away at 88

Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, was the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, and his legacy is deeply shaped by his Jesuit identity. Known for his humility and dedication to serving the poor, he embodied the Jesuit ethos of seeking God in the peripheries and championing social justice. Jesuits and others recall how his pastoral gifts, focus on unity, and openness to criticism left a lasting impact on both the papacy and the broader Church. His final moments were marked by gratitude toward his personal nurse, reflecting his characteristic warmth and appreciation for those who cared for him. The Jesuit tradition, with its emphasis on education, humanitarian service, and advocacy for marginalized communities, was a guiding force throughout his life and papacy. As communities around the world, including institutions like Canisius University, mourn his passing, many highlight his call to build bridges rather than walls as central to his enduring influence.