Pope Francis Passes at 88 After Prolonged Illness
Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 following ongoing health struggles, according to an official Vatican statement on Monday.
His 12-year tenure as pontiff, beginning in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, was marked by both significant reforms and repeated hospitalizations in his final months. Most recently, he battled a serious case of double pneumonia and had been treated for bronchitis and kidney concerns.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell broke the news, saying, “With deep sorrow, I announce the passing of our Holy Father, Francis,” confirming that he died at 7:35 a.m. The formal process of electing a new pope, known as the conclave, is expected to commence within the next few weeks.
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis made a brief public appearance on March 23 and later returned to the Vatican to recover, even greeting crowds during the Easter Sunday Service.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis became the first pope from the Americas and took office with a mission to bring reform and healing to a Church grappling with scandal and division. While he won admiration for his humility, commitment to the poor, and outreach to other faiths, he also drew criticism from both conservative and progressive factions. During his papacy, he reshaped Church governance, made historic appointments—including women in leadership roles—and advocated for inclusion, including case-by-case blessings for same-sex couples.
