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Honoring the life and legacy of His Holiness, Pope Francis, the 266th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his commitment to peace, social justice, and humility, on the occasion of his passing on April 21, 2025.
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WHEREAS, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, was born December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1958, was ordained a Priest in 1969, and became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Elected as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, he was the first Pope from the Western Hemisphere, from South America and from the Jesuit Order; and
WHEREAS, Jorge Bergoglio was notably the first Pope to choose the name “Francis.” Saint Francis of Assisi is renowned for his dedication to serving those in need and lived in solidarity with the poor and marginalized, spreading love and compassion to all, including animals and ecology. Pope Francis embodied such admirable values until the day he passed; and
WHEREAS, In September 2015, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Philadelphia as part of the World Meeting of Families, marking the first Papal visit to the City in almost 40 years. His presence brought together hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe, uniting the region in a profound celebration of faith, family, and community. Pope Francis celebrated Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul delivering messages that emphasized the importance of family, compassion, and solidarity with the marginalized; and
WHEREAS, During his visit, Pope Francis visited the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, where he met with incarcerated individuals and staff, embodying his commitment to mercy and outreach to those on the margins of society. His address at Independence Hall resonated with those seeking hope, as he encouraged perseverance in the face of adversity and called for a spirit of inclusion and welcome; and
WHEREAS, The Pope’s visit left an indelible mark on the City of Philadelphia. Local leaders, families, and individuals recall the joy and inspiration his presence brought, as well as the unity it fostered among communities; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis set himself apart by living with humility. He took public transit around the City instead of riding in a limousine, and he resided in a simple apartment instead of the designated ornate residence. This spurred his lasting reputation as humble and accessible; and
WHEREAS, His Holiness championed inclusion and compassion, notably extending pastoral care to LGBTQ+ individuals as well as advocating for migrants and refugees; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis called on the United Nations to take radical measures to safeguard the environment and criticized wealthy developed countries which have contributed the most planet-heating pollution, calling on them to help poorer nations; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis’ leadership inspired people of all faiths and backgrounds leaving a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world. He dedicated his life to the Earth, service, and lived the values of the gospel with courage and unconditional love, with special energy for the most marginalized, while fostering a more global and world reaching pontificate. His impact will be everlasting in our memories; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors the life and legacy of His Holiness, Pope Francis, the 266th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his commitment to peace, social justice, and humility, on the occasion of his passing on April 21, 2025.
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