Vatican City:Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide and the first Latin American to hold the papacy, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican officially confirmed his death today through a video statement, marking the end of a historic and transformative papacy.
Battling Illness in His Final Days
Pope Francis had been battling serious health issues for several years. In early 2025, he was hospitalized in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with bronchitis and a lung infection. His condition had worsened in recent weeks, requiring ventilator support. Though he showed some signs of recovery and was briefly discharged, his health declined again, ultimately leading to his passing.
A Papacy of Inclusion and Compassion
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Southern Hemisphere, his election was seen as a significant shift for the Church.
Pope Francis was widely respected for his humility, progressive approach, and efforts to modernize the Church. He advocated for greater inclusion of marginalized communities, showed openness towards the LGBTQ+ community, called for environmental protection through his encyclical Laudato Si’, and firmly opposed the death penalty.
Final Public Appearances
Despite his fragile health, Pope Francis continued to fulfill many of his papal duties. He made a public appearance on Easter Sunday just weeks before his death, blessing thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square — a testament to his unwavering commitment to his spiritual responsibilities.
Global Mourning and Tributes
World leaders, religious figures, and people across the globe have begun expressing their condolences and paying tribute to Pope Francis. Social media platforms are flooded with messages of gratitude, mourning, and remembrance.
The Next Chapter
With the death of Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals will soon convene in a conclave to elect his successor. The process, rich in tradition, will determine the next leader of the world’s largest Christian denomination.