Pope Francis’s death at the age of 88 was neither untimely nor a great surprise. Having made what appeared to be a miraculous recovery from double pneumonia and kidney failure – and subsequently turning up at St Peter’s in a poncho just two weeks ago – Francis appeared to have been granted a new lease of life. Despite this, he left this world on Monday morning, the day after administering the Urbi et Orbi blessing and the second day of the Easter Octave. As times go for a Pope to depart this life, he picked a suitable moment.
Many of the accounts of the Pope’s life, following his death, have bordered on the hagiographical – and, indeed, so they should be. The Pope’s characteristic humility, emphasis on mercy, and strength in criticising those in high office are laudable features of an exceptional pontificate. Among non-Catholics, he has been perhaps history’s most popular Pope.
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