10 notable Christian leaders, influencers who died in 2025

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, December 28, 2025

Pope Francis – April 21

Pope Francis' reported comments to a gay man that "God made you like this" have been embraced by the LGBT community as another sign of Francis' message of acceptance. | Pixabay/gunthersimmermacher

Pope Francis, the first Latin American to serve as head of the Roman Catholic Church, died the morning after Easter Sunday at the age of 88.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was also the first Jesuit to become pope and the first pontiff to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress.

Francis garnered controversy among more theologically conservative members of the Catholic Church for his publicly stated views on hot-button issues, though he ultimately upheld Church teaching on issues like abortion and homosexuality.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” stated Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

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