The pope was a strong advocate for the poor and the environment and a towering figure on the world stage, addressing not just Catholics but also the men and women of our time. Francis was one of the most popular popes in decades.
Francis met with Vice President Vance during his last full day on Earth.
He was the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church in more than a millennium.
The pope set many other precedents: He was the first Jesuit pope, the first to take the name of St. Francis of Assisi and the first from the Global South.
The outspoken pope lent his voice to almost every modern issue facing the world, from the environment to the world financial system.
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