Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. His passing brings an end to a transformative papacy marked by efforts to modernize the Church amidst internal conflict and global crises.
The announcement was delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on Vatican television: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
The pontiff had recently overcome a severe case of double pneumonia and had only been discharged from a 38-day hospitalization on March 23.
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Just one day before his death, Pope Francis made a rare appearance at St. Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday celebrations. He greeted thousands of faithful from his open-air popemobile and delivered his first public blessing since Christmas, offering what would become his final address.
World leaders quickly paid tribute to the pope’s humility and tireless advocacy for the underprivileged. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended him for inspiring “millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.” Meanwhile, East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta described him as a symbol of “humanity, justice, and fraternity.”
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Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013. He quickly gained international attention for his modest approach and unwavering commitment to the poor. Eschewing the grandeur of his predecessors, he opted for a simple lifestyle that emphasised openness, humility, and service.
Throughout his papacy, Francis worked to confront long-standing scandals, including the Church’s mishandling of clerical sexual abuse cases and internal political strife. His reformist stance, though widely praised, also sparked criticism from both conservative and progressive factions, revealing the deep divisions within the institution.
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Beyond internal matters, Francis became a respected global voice for peace, interfaith cooperation, and the rights of migrants. In a rare development for the modern papacy, he served alongside a living predecessor, Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 and passed away in 2022.
With nearly 80% of the current cardinal electors appointed by Francis, his ideological influence is expected to shape the election of the next pope and the future path of the Church.
