Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed.
The Argentine-born pontiff, who became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, passed away this morning at 7:35am, according to Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” the Cardinal stated. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Cardinal Farrell praised Francis for his unwavering commitment to Gospel values, especially his compassion for the poor and marginalized. “We commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” he added.
A Pontificate Marked by Reform and Compassion
Known as the “People’s Pope,” Francis was the first pontiff from South America and the first Jesuit to assume the role. He became globally recognized for his humility, progressive tone, and emphasis on social justice.
His papacy addressed issues such as climate change, global inequality, and the role of women in the Church. He also took historic steps toward inclusivity, famously remarking in 2013: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?”
Despite his progressive image, Francis upheld the Church’s conservative stance on issues like abortion, euthanasia, and gender reassignment, reaffirmed in the 2024 document Dignitas Infinita.
Declining Health in Recent Years
In his final years, Pope Francis faced numerous health challenges. He was hospitalized multiple times, most recently for bronchitis and pneumonia. In February 2025, he was reported to be in critical condition following a severe respiratory crisis. His condition required blood transfusions and long-term oxygen support.
Francis continued to engage with the public throughout his illness, including a brief Easter Sunday appearance and meetings with global leaders. His last public message came in March, thanking followers for their prayers and support.
Legacy of Leadership
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Francis had a long career in the Church before his election as pope. He was known for his down-to-earth nature and tireless advocacy for the marginalized.
He washed the feet of refugees, visited war-torn regions, and opened dialogues with other faiths and ideologies. His approach reshaped the image of the papacy in the modern era.
As the world mourns, preparations begin for the papal conclave—a centuries-old process to elect a new pope, expected to commence within the next 15 to 20 days.
An estimated 1.4 billion Catholics around the globe are now in mourning, reflecting on the life of a pontiff who redefined the modern papacy.
—SkyNews Report —