Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a powerful voice for the poor and marginalized, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his passing early Monday morning through Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who made the official declaration of the pope’s death.
“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said in a statement released at the Vatican. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Pope Francis’ death has sent shockwaves across the world, particularly as it comes less than a day after he made a public appearance during the traditional Easter celebrations in Vatican City. Though visibly weak, the pope had managed to deliver a blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and even met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years. His election signaled a major shift in the church, reflecting its increasingly global membership and concerns.
From the beginning of his papacy, Francis focused on issues that had long been ignored or overlooked. He prioritized the needs of the poor, advocated for migrants, and addressed climate change. His leadership style was humble—he refused to live in the traditional papal palace, choosing instead a modest apartment in the Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis quickly became known for challenging tradition and speaking boldly on sensitive topics. He reformed the Vatican’s financial system, took strong stances against clerical abuse, and encouraged open dialogue about long-taboo subjects like same-sex relationships and divorce.
However, his progressive views often met resistance, especially from conservative factions within the church. In particular, he faced strong criticism from powerful Catholic groups in the United States over his stance on immigration, economic inequality, and his softening tone on LGBTQ issues.
Despite the backlash, Francis remained focused on creating a church that was more inclusive, open, and closer to the people. “The Church is not a tollhouse; it is the house of the Father, where there is a place for everyone,” he once said.
Pope Francis had been struggling with health issues in recent years. He underwent colon surgery in 2021 and was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. Just weeks before his death, he had been admitted to a Rome hospital where doctors worked to stabilize his condition.
After being discharged, he returned to the Vatican and was recovering at his residence. In a show of strength, he made several public appearances in recent days, including a visit to a Rome prison on Thursday and a short walk through St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday.
On Sunday, he stood before thousands in St. Peter’s Square to deliver the Easter blessing, known as “Urbi et Orbi.” Although his voice was softer than usual, many believed the pope was on the path to recovery. His death the following morning has therefore come as a painful surprise to millions.
The pope’s death has triggered a period of mourning within the global Catholic community. As per Vatican tradition, cardinals from all over the world will soon arrive in Rome for the funeral rites and the subsequent conclave, where a new pope will be elected.
This conclave is expected to be closely watched, as the next pope will inherit a church deeply divided between progressives and conservatives. Francis’ leadership style and reform agenda have left a lasting impact, but also exposed fault lines within the church’s global structure.
Throughout his life, Pope Francis was widely respected for his humility, his tireless advocacy for the poor, and his emphasis on mercy over judgment. He visited refugee camps, washed the feet of prisoners, and never shied away from speaking up against injustice, whether in politics, economics, or within the church itself.
He famously criticized world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for immigration policies that he said lacked compassion. “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,” he said during a 2016 interview, sparking controversy but also admiration.
Francis also spoke passionately about the environment, calling on the world to take action against climate change. His encyclical *Laudato Si’*, published in 2015, urged global cooperation to protect the planet, especially for the sake of the poor who suffer most from environmental damage.
Pope Francis’ legacy is one of both compassion and challenge. He challenged the church to be more welcoming and transparent, and he challenged the world to care more deeply for the vulnerable. While his efforts at reform were sometimes met with resistance, his moral voice carried weight well beyond the walls of the Vatican.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized,” Cardinal Farrell said in his tribute.
As preparations begin for the selection of a new pope, many Catholics around the world will be reflecting on the impact of Pope Francis’ leadership—and hoping that his successor continues the work of building a church that truly reflects the compassion and humility of Christ.
His funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, with millions likely to travel to the Vatican or tune in from around the world to bid farewell to a man who reshaped the church with kindness, courage, and an unwavering sense of justice.
