Pope Francis, revered by millions of Catholics around the world, died of a stroke and subsequent heart failure at 7:35am on the 21st April 2025, aged 88. Francis, who twice almost died when hospitalised with severe pneumonia in February, also suffered from multiple bronchiectasis, arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Religions might be considered like windows that see the house of God, each with a different view, a different perspective on what they see. Although Pope Francis was the voted head of the Catholic movement, his message radiated outside of that umbrella and touched the hearts and minds of all mankind.
Right from the first day of becoming the Pope, he wanted things to be different, and he wanted to be treated differently also. He disliked pomp and ceremony, instead focusing on what he believed was his duty, to bring the message of God to everyone. You didn’t have to be a Catholic to respect his message, you just needed to hear it.
During these days after his passing, there are countless reports in our media outlets, reporting on what type of man the Pope was, and what he stood for. One of the best commentators I’ve heard so far on this passing was on BBC Breakfast, on 22nd April 2025 at 8:40am. Presenters Roger Johnson & Sally Nugent, interviewed the head of the Catholic church for England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nicholls.
The Cardinal’s words about the Pope best described the life and thinking of Francis. I have taken the time to create a transcript of his words, which, I believe, we could all benefit from reading, no matter what church we hang our hat in.
ROGER: Let’s talk with Cardinal Vincent Nicholls, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Good morning, Cardinal. You were made a Cardinal by the Pope over ten years ago. You knew him well. What are your personal memories of him?
Good morning, Roger. I think of three main things. First, he once told me that from the moment after his election, when he prayed in the chapel of St Paul before appearing on the balcony of St Peter’s, he never lost his inner peace and tranquility. Considering the issues and pressure he faced, this was a remarkable quality that any Pope needs, and Pope Francis certainly had it.
The second thing that stands out is his insistence on understanding God’s mercy. His first words were about mercy. When asked who he was, he would say, I’m a sinner. His last pastoral act was visiting Regina Caeli prison and telling prisoners that except for God’s grace, he might have been among them. He deeply believed in God’s forgiveness.
Lastly, he was a man of great hope. He always encouraged us to strive to make the world better and understand that our life’s destiny leads us to heaven, which is the step he has now taken.
SALLY: Many people pay close attention to what the Pope says, looking for any changes in the church. Pope Francis, in particular, was known for his powerful gestures. He knew how to send messages without speaking.
I remember three specific instances. First, he embraced a man with a terribly disfigured face in St. Peter’s Square. Second, he knelt down and kissed the feet of African leaders who were seeking peace from war. Lastly, he often met women who had been enslaved and reassured them that their dignity was still intact. Despite their suffering, he wanted them to know they were precious to God and to him.
ROGER: You will be attending your first conclave to choose a new Pope, and it will also be your last since you will turn 80 before the next one. What qualities do you and the other Cardinals look for when choosing a successor to someone who has made such a lasting impact?
The pope needs to have a very strong sense of God’s presence and trust in Him daily. This deep relationship with God is essential. Another important skill is the ability to handle modern media and communicate messages effectively.
This pope may not have changed the church’s teachings, but he has embodied them with humanity. He makes sure everyone feels included. On a trip back from South America, he was asked who belongs to the church. He answered, Everyone, everyone, everyone. This means that in our parishes and dioceses, there should be a sense of welcome and support.
The pope believes in walking with people, not demanding perfection or being quick to judge. He wants us to travel in the right direction step by step, knowing our goals but moving gradually. He has encouraged us to listen more deeply these past few years.
He emphasizes listening, not to argue, but to understand each other. Often, we listen just to respond or counter what others are saying. Instead, he asks us to listen to understand first so we can walk together in the right direction.
SALLY: We know he was a pope who spoke passionately about migration. His parents were Italian, but he grew up in Buenos Aires. Do his comments on migration and acceptance stand strong in today’s political climate?
That’s very difficult.
Countries do have the right to control their borders. However, they must do it in a way that is fair and open. One problem is that, for years, our government hasn’t had a good system for people who need to come here and can contribute.
The issue lies in how states manage borders responsibly and generously. This should be based on respecting the dignity of people who want to come for valid reasons. It’s a complex issue, often clouded by populist policies and slogans. The pope always urged us to prioritize the dignity of those seeking a new home.
ROGER: Cardinal Vincent Nicholls, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, thank you for talking to us this morning.
Remembering, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis
