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Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on Easter Monday, was known for his impactful Easter sermon in 2020, delivered to an empty St. Peter’s Basilica during the early COVID-19 pandemic, which symbolized his unique challenges as pope. His papacy, marked by progressive stances on contentious issues like LGBTQ+ rights, faced criticism from various factions within the Church, including bishops, which was unprecedented compared to his predecessors. Despite his calls for understanding and acceptance, he did not push for significant doctrinal changes, maintaining a cautious approach throughout his leadership.