Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a televised announcement early Monday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the solemn message via the Vatican’s official broadcast:
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
The news follows Pope Francis’ recent appearance on Easter Sunday, marking his first extended public engagement since being released from a 38-day hospital stay for double pneumonia on March 23. He greeted thousands in St. Peter’s Square aboard the popemobile and delivered his traditional Easter blessing, his first since Christmas.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentine pope was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013. His unexpected selection brought a fresh energy to the Church, driven by his deep concern for the poor and marginalized. Choosing simplicity over grandeur, Francis famously declined to occupy the luxurious papal apartments, instead residing in a more modest community space, citing his mental and emotional well-being.
Throughout his papacy, Francis worked to confront the internal crises of the Church, including the ongoing fallout from the clerical abuse scandal and long-standing bureaucratic infighting. Tasked with reform, he nonetheless faced intense opposition from conservative factions resistant to his vision of a more inclusive, progressive Church. At the same time, some reformists expressed disappointment over the pace of change under his leadership.
Despite these challenges, Pope Francis emerged as a prominent global figure, known for his outreach to other faiths, advocacy for peace, and unwavering support for vulnerable communities such as migrants and refugees.
His pontificate was historically unique, overlapping with that of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 and remained within the Vatican until his death in December 2022. Francis remained the sole spiritual leader of the Church thereafter.
With nearly 80% of the cardinal electors appointed by Francis himself, the direction of the Church’s future now lies in the hands of those shaped by his legacy. His passing marks the end of a consequential and often turbulent chapter in Vatican history.
