Pope Francis Passes Away at 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope in history, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. His passing was confirmed at 7:35 a.m. local time at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, following a prolonged battle with respiratory illness that included a 38-day hospital stay for bilateral pneumonia earlier this year.

A Papacy of Historic Firsts

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected the 266th pope in March 2013, breaking nearly 1,300 years of European dominance in the papacy. His election marked a turning point for the Catholic Church, not only geographically but also culturally, as he brought the perspective and concerns of the Global South to the Vatican. For millions of Hispanic and Latin American Catholics, his ascent was a source of pride and connection, as he spoke their language and understood their struggles.

Humility and Advocacy for the Marginalized

Pope Francis quickly became known for his humility and his commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. He chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, wore simple attire, and often traveled in modest vehicles. His papacy was defined by outreach to the vulnerable: he embraced refugees, denounced global inequality, and apologized to Indigenous peoples for the Church’s historical wrongs. His populist approach and focus on social justice resonated deeply, especially among those who had long felt distant from the Church’s traditional power centers.

Reform and Controversy

Francis’ efforts to reform the Church were both bold and, at times, controversial. He made annulments more accessible, allowed priests to absolve women who had had abortions, and opened the door to blessing same-sex couples. He encouraged debate on issues such as divorce and homosexuality, seeking a more pastoral and less dogmatic approach. His critiques of capitalism and calls for action on climate change won him global acclaim but also drew criticism from some conservative factions within the Church.

Final Days and Global Mourning

Despite his declining health, Francis continued to fulfill his duties, appearing during Holy Week and delivering his final Easter blessing the day before his death. The Vatican and Catholic faithful around the world are now mourning a leader who, in the words of Cardinal Kevin Farrell, “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized”.

A Lasting Legacy

Pope Francis’ historic papacy leaves an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world. As the first pope from the Americas, he redefined the role of the pontiff in the modern era—championing humility, inclusion, and a global vision for the Church’s mission. His legacy will be remembered for generations by the 1.3 billion Catholics he led and the countless others inspired by his example.

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