VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the transformative and polarizing leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced early Monday. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, confirmed the death, stating that Francis’ life was “dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” The first Latin American and Jesuit pope, Francis led the Church for 12 years, championing humility, care for the marginalized, and action on climate change, while navigating a papacy marked by both progressive reforms and internal tensions. His death, following a prolonged battle with health issues, including double pneumonia and respiratory crises, marks the end of a significant era for the Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Francis made history as the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. Elected in 2013 after the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he brought a pastoral approach, emphasizing mercy and outreach to the poor, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community. His outspoken criticism of consumerism and indifference toward migrants, as well as his call for interfaith dialogue, earned him global admiration but also sparked controversy among conservative factions within the Church. In recent years, his health declined, with a critical hospitalization for pneumonia in February 2025 bringing him close to death, though he briefly recovered to resume public appearances.
The Vatican has now entered a period of mourning, with Francis’ funeral expected within four to six days, per Church protocols. Unlike many predecessors, Francis requested a simplified funeral and burial outside the Vatican, at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria, reflecting his commitment to modesty. The papal conclave to elect a new pope will convene in the Sistine Chapel within 15 to 20 days, where cardinals under 80 will select the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. As thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects, Francis’ legacy as a pope who sought to build bridges rather than walls endures, even as the Church faces an uncertain future.
