By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica joined the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, 2025. The Costa Rican government issued a statement expressing condolences and highlighting the Pope’s significant contributions to peace, environmental protection, and social justice.
The Costa Rican government, on behalf of its people, extended its deepest sympathies to the global Catholic community, the Holy See, and the Bergoglio family. They lauded the Pope’s legacy of humility, love for others, social commitment, and promotion of peace.
To provide legal context on matters related to Pope Francis and the Catholic Church’s operations, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert lawyer from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Pope’s pronouncements, while carrying significant moral weight, do not directly create legally binding obligations for states or individuals outside of the internal governance of the Catholic Church. However, they can influence public opinion and, indirectly, the development of legislation in countries with strong Catholic populations. It’s crucial to differentiate between the moral and legal spheres when analyzing the impact of papal statements on issues like social justice, environmental policy, or international relations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
On behalf of the government and the people of Costa Rica, we extend our condolences to the global Catholic community, the Holy See, and the Bergoglio family for the passing of a spiritual leader who left a historical legacy of humility, love for others, social commitment, and promotion of peace.
Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign AffairsCargando...
The government’s statement specifically acknowledged Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si’, as a pivotal call for a paradigm shift in humanity’s relationship with the environment, championing environmental justice and planetary care.
The Costa Rican Episcopal Conference also paid tribute, remembering Pope Francis as a shepherd after Christ’s own heart, a missionary disciple who lived with humility, loved with tenderness, and served the Church and the world with passion.
His life was a testament that it is possible to live with simplicity amidst greatness, with tenderness amidst conflict, with confidence amidst the storm. He was a prophet of our time, a bridge-builder, a pilgrim of hope.
Costa Rican Episcopal Conference
Local media fondly recalled Pope Francis’s remarks about Costa Rica, particularly his praise for Costa Rican coffee, which he declared “the best in the world.” The connection between the Pope and Costa Rica extended to presidential visits. Three Costa Rican presidents—Laura Chinchilla (2013), Luis Guillermo Solís (2016), and Carlos Alvarado (2019)—met with Pope Francis during his papacy, each extending an invitation for him to visit Costa Rica, a trip that unfortunately never materialized.
These presidential visits were marked by symbolic gifts presented to the Pope, reflecting Costa Rican culture and heritage. Chinchilla offered a stole crafted by Indigenous Costa Ricans; Solís presented an armadillo made by Indigenous women using gourds and woodcuts depicting rural life in the forest; and Alvarado gifted eight packages of coffee from various regions of the country, a stole embroidered with the Virgin of the Angels, and a Costa Rican national soccer team jersey.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time (5:35 GMT) in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Vatican, officially announced the Pope’s passing.
For further information, visit vatican.va
About The Holy See:
The Holy See is the central governing body of the Catholic Church, headquartered in Vatican City. It is led by the Pope and comprises various dicasteries responsible for the Church’s administration, including doctrine, liturgy, and international relations. The Holy See plays a crucial role in global affairs, advocating for peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
For further information, visit mire.go.cr
About Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for managing the country’s international relations. It plays a key role in diplomacy, foreign policy, and promoting Costa Rica’s interests abroad.
For further information, visit iglesiacatolica.org
About Costa Rican Episcopal Conference:
The Costa Rican Episcopal Conference is the permanent assembly of Catholic bishops in Costa Rica. It provides guidance and leadership on matters of faith and morals for the Catholic Church in the country and represents the Church in its interactions with the government and society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and proactive community engagement, the firm strives to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all. Their dedication to client success across a wide range of sectors is matched only by their passion for fostering a more informed and just society, where legal knowledge is a tool for positive change.
