Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday, marking the end of a transformative papacy that redefined the modern Catholic Church.
He passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, just one day after appearing before thousands at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the news, saying, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years. He was elected on 13 March 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI.
As the 266th pope, Francis was widely respected for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice. He broke from tradition by choosing to live in modest accommodation rather than the Apostolic Palace and was frequently seen mingling directly with the faithful.
During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis pushed for wide-reaching reforms, including tackling financial mismanagement at the Vatican and addressing the global sexual abuse crisis within the Church. He also made history by permitting women to vote in synods and approving blessings for same-sex couples.
Francis had faced health challenges in recent years, including respiratory infections and hospital stays. His passing initiates the papal conclave, where cardinals under the age of 80 will meet in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
Leaders around the world have paid tribute to Francis, remembering him as a moral force who bridged divides and brought the Church closer to the people. The Vatican described him as a leader who “ministered with a charming, humble style.”
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