Family Discussion: The Life and Legacy of Pope Francis
The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 7th grade reading level.
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The 266th pope died early Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and heart failure. Pope Francis had been home for about a month after a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia. He was 88 years old.
Who was Pope Francis?
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas. He took over as head of the Roman Catholic Church after Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013.
Francis was known for his humility, favoring modesty over papal pomp. He championed justice for the poor and marginalized, took action against sexual abuse in the Church, and spoke out on issues like refugee migration, war, and climate change.
Pope Francis sometimes drew criticism from conservative Catholics. He was considered one of the Church’s least traditional popes when it came to social issues.
When is the funeral?
Pope Francis’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica yesterday (April 23, 2025) for public viewing. His days-long funeral will include a public Mass, set to begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. Eastern).
The Argentinian will then be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s a fifth-century church in Rome that Pope Francis often visited before and after he traveled.
How will a new pope be chosen?
In May, about 135 leaders in the Catholic church (called “cardinals”) will meet to vote. It’s called a conclave, and it’s a secretive process at the Sistine Chapel (see pictures). Sealed inside, cardinals will vote again and again until a ⅔ majority agrees on a candidate. When they decide, they send up white smoke.
Technically, any male Catholic is eligible to be pope. But the current front-runners include cardinals from Italy, Hungary, Guinea, and the Philippines.
REFLECT
What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Choosing humility. Pope Francis held one of the most powerful positions in the world, yet he was known for favoring more modest things: living in the papal guest house instead of the more ornate main residence, receiving visitors standing instead of seated on the papal throne, riding on the bus with other cardinals instead of taking the papal limo, and choosing simpler burial rites (like a less ornate casket).
This posture reflects Jesus, who likewise shunned the glory to which he was entitled as the Son of God. He became a servant of even the lowliest people and gave himself willingly for a humiliating and painful death (Philippians 2:5-9). Crucified with him, believers imitate his humility and show our kids that any glory worth having comes from God, not people or things (Galatians 2:20; James 4:10).
What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
In this Easter season, believers rejoice in the hope of resurrection. We celebrate not only that Jesus himself rose from the dead after humbly conquering death, but that all who love and trust in him will also be raised. That means death is not the end of the story for his followers—it’s just the beginning.
RESPOND
Think about the luxuries you enjoy—a decadent food, an expensive habit, a special privilege—and choose to forgo one for a week. Reflect on how this discipline challenges and changes you.
Memorize James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (CSB).
Praise God in song together, celebrating the hope of resurrection! (Examples: “Sunday Is Coming” by Phil Wickham, “Made Alive” by Citizens, “Glorious Day” by Passion, “Everything That Has Breath (Praise)” by Jesus Culture, “Forever and Ever Amen” by Maverick City, “Blown Away” by Hillsong, and “This Is Our Time” by Planetshakers)
Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Farewell, Pope Francis." April 24, 2025.