Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday. His death brings to a close a papacy that was both groundbreaking and often fraught with internal division as he worked to reform one of the world’s oldest religious institutions.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the news on Vatican television, stating:
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
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The pope had recently battled a severe case of double pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, surprising many who had viewed the Argentine cardinal—known for his humility and dedication to the poor—as an outsider. From the beginning of his pontificate, he emphasized simplicity and humility, famously choosing to live in a modest guesthouse rather than the lavish papal apartments for the sake of his mental well-being.
Francis took over a church rocked by clerical sex abuse scandals and deep internal rifts and was expected to bring stability and reform. However, his efforts were met with strong resistance. Conservative factions criticized him for challenging long-held traditions, while progressives expressed frustration that he did not go far enough in pushing for change.
Despite internal dissent, Francis gained international acclaim and was revered for his advocacy on behalf of migrants, the poor, and other marginalized communities. He made global headlines with his emphasis on interfaith dialogue and calls for peace.
A rare occurrence in Church history, Francis shared the Vatican with his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who chose to remain in the Holy See following his unprecedented resignation in 2013. Benedict, a symbol of conservative Catholicism, passed away in December 2022, leaving Francis as the sole papal figure.
By February 2025, Pope Francis had appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to elect his successor—suggesting that his progressive vision for the Church could influence its future direction, despite ongoing resistance from traditionalist elements.
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