Pope's Life And Legacy, What Happens Now In Rome, Reaction From South America

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Who was Pope Francis and what was his global impact?

Steve Inskeep 0:03
The Vatican says Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. He was one of the most popular pontiffs in decades and also a towering figure on the world stage. We will reflect on his legacy.
A. Martinez 0:15
I'm Steve Inskeep with A. Martinez, and this is Up First from NPR News. The pontiff died after a working weekend. He met with Vice President J.D. Vance and also spoke to people on Easter Sunday. Ruth Sherlock is in Rome and brings us what we know.
Steve Inskeep 0:31
Pope Francis was the first non-European pope in more than a millennium. He set many precedents, the first Jesuit pope, the first pope to take the name of St. Francis of Assisi, and the first pope from the Global South. He also didn't shy away from speaking about LGBTQ plus issues, immigration, or the environment. which moments of his papacy stood out. Stay with us. We'll get all the news you need to start your day.
Peabody Award-winning journalist Al Letson 1:16
This message comes from Reveal. More to the story. Every Wednesday, Peabody award-winning journalist Al Letson sits down with the people at the heart of a changing world for candid conversations that help people understand what's happening around them. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Ira Glass 1:35
This is Eric Glass. In Lily's family, there's a story everybody knows by heart. If this story had never happened...
Unidentified Speaker (Brief Interjection) 1:41
All of us wouldn't be here right now. Sammy wouldn't be here. Tina wouldn't be here. Wally wouldn't be here. Anyone that we know wouldn't be here.
Ira Glass 1:50
So what happens when Lily's mom tells her this story is not true? This American Life, surprising stories every week.
Steve Inskeep 1:59
We can expect this week of news to be dominated by the memory of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
A. Martinez 2:03
He was better known to the world as Pope Francis. When he was elected to his exalted post in 2013, he assumed the name of a saint, Francis of Assisi, who deliberately lived in poverty. Francis cast an image of humility during years of strain and change within his church and around the world. He had a lot to say about both things, and we will be hearing a lot about him.

What are the circumstances surrounding Pope Francis's death?

Steve Inskeep 2:25
Yes, we sure will. With us on the line from Rome is NPR international correspondent Ruth Sherlock. Ruth, the Pope had been unwell, but it seemed like he was making his way back, and then the announcement of his death seemingly very suddenly. What can you tell us?
Ruth Sherlock 2:40
Well, that's right. I mean, the Pope had been struggling with life-threatening double pneumonia. He'd been in hospital on the 14th of February. He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for five weeks, which was the longest stay in his 12-year papacy. And at that time, there were prayers for Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square every day. You know, I interviewed Faithful in tears, believing that this might be the moment, but he made this recovery. And he was brought back to the Vatican, back to his house in the Vatican, and it seemed as though he was recovering. But the Vatican says, made the announcement that he passed away suddenly at 7.35 this morning. The Vatican's Cardinal, Kevin Farrell,
Ruth Sherlock 3:22
said, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his church. But as I said, he was starting to make more public appearances in his convalescence. In fact, he made an appearance yesterday at Easter Mass.
Steve Inskeep 3:40
Right. Tell us about that and who he met with.
Ruth Sherlock 3:43
Right. Well, first, he actually met with J.D. Vance, the American vice president who was visiting in Italy. And that was a it was not clear if that was going to happen. But he did have that brief meeting. And then he appeared at Easter Mass and he said, Christ, my hope has risen. He had a speech which he wasn't well enough to read out. You know, he was still quite breathless in his recovery from this double pneumonia disease. So he hadn't been able to speak very much publicly. But the message that he had at this Easter Mass, in some ways, this is his last message. And this, in some ways, really went to the heart of what his papacy was about. He focused a lot on conflict and on the plight of the poor.
Ruth Sherlock 4:31
Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope. And in this speech, he spoke about the conflict happening in Israel and Gaza. So he talked about people wounded by conflict and called for an end to this endless outbursts of violence. He said, I appeal once again for immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He's been calling church in Gaza every day for months.

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